What does consent really mean? How should students navigate power dynamics on a university campus? Where does someone turn when they need help, and what happens after a report is made?
These were some of the questions explored during a recent round-table discussion hosted by the University of the Free State’s
Student Discipline and Mediation Unit (SDMU), where students, staff, and stakeholders gathered for an open conversation on consent, student safety, gender-based violence awareness, reporting mechanisms, and institutional accountability. The event formed part of the university's continued commitment to building a safer, more respectful, and more accountable campus community.
The discussion brought together representatives from Student Affairs, Protection Services, Student Discipline and Mediation, the Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice, and the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) to unpack the complexities surrounding sexual misconduct, consent, reporting processes, and the role of leadership in fostering student well-being.
Understanding consent beyond a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’
One of the strongest messages from the discussion was that consent is not a once-off agreement, but a continuing process grounded in freedom, respect, and communication.
Panellists explained that consent must be voluntary, active, and informed. It cannot be assumed, coerced, or inferred from previous interactions. Participants also explored recent legal developments and disciplinary cases that continue to shape conversations about consensual relationships in higher education settings.
Thembu Ngoma, Legal Officer from the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), explained:
"Consent must be active. It cannot just be a mere submission. The consent must be actively given." Ngoma further emphasised that consent may be withdrawn at any time and that agreement to one form of intimacy does not automatically constitute consent to another.
"If her consent is being withdrawn, either tacitly, or explicitly, or you are sensing that feeling of discomfort, stop and don't continue."
Panellists also addressed common challenges facing students, including alcohol consumption, peer pressure, uncertainty about reporting incidents, and misconceptions around evidence gathering after an incident has occurred.
Leadership, influence, and responsibility
He noted that leadership should never create a sense of entitlement and that students should never feel pressured to make decisions because of another person's status or influence.
"Once someone becomes a student representative, what they inherit is power, and that power gives them influence, and that influence creates a sense of privilege for them."
Mbalane reminded attendees that institutional policies apply equally to all members of the university community.
"No one is above the programme. No one is above the policies that have been set. No one is above the Constitution. Regardless of the power and the social status of an individual, as a student you deserve the right to report."
He further stressed that leadership must be centred on service and ethical responsibility.
"The greater the influence, the greater the responsibility."
Demystifying reporting processes
Dr Thapelo Mojanaga, Head of Investigations in Protection Services, used the opportunity to provide students with practical guidance on reporting misconduct and understanding the support systems available to them.
Dr Mojanaga explained that the university's reporting procedures are guided by legislation, institutional policies, and established investigation protocols.
He encouraged students to report incidents as early as possible and clarified that reporting does not mean accusing someone of wrongdoing.
"Reporting is not accusing. Reporting opens an investigation. Deciding what happened is what the investigation is meant to do."
Protection Services also reminded attendees that reports relating to sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual intimidation, sexual exploitation, and gender-based harassment can be made, regardless of whether incidents occurred on or off campus.
The presentation further highlighted the importance of collaboration between Protection Services and the South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly in cases involving serious criminal offences.
Building a culture of trust and accountability
A recurring concern throughout the discussion was underreporting. According to Protection Services, many incidents never reach formal reporting structures because individuals fear stigma, doubt whether action will be taken or are uncertain about available support systems.
The single biggest problem we face is not that people do not care. It is that people do not know where to start. Or they believe that starting will change nothing.
Participants agreed that sustained education and awareness are just as important as disciplinary processes. Conversations such as these create opportunities for students to better understand their rights, available support mechanisms, and the role they can play in creating safer campus environments.
Creating safer futures together
The round-table discussion reinforced the university's belief that no single department, policy, or intervention can ensure student safety. Rather, it requires collaboration among students, university structures, support services, and the wider community.
As the event drew to a close, students were encouraged to continue engaging in discussions about consent, respectful relationships, accountability, and leadership.
By fostering open dialogue and strengthening support systems, the University of the Free State continues to advance its commitment to responsible societal futures, ensuring that every student can learn, grow, and succeed in a safe and supportive environment.