From left, Sesona Bonke (Amanda), Siviwe Mjila (Thabiso), Ulleta Marais (Amanda Memeza Advocacy Coordinator), Dr Ruby Ann Levendal (Director of Transformation Office), Solomzi (Tebatso Rakgwadi) and Mlondi Bhengu (Writer of Season 2, played Nathi)
Season 2 was recently screened at the University’s Business School Auditorium. The first season was published last year to spark awareness about Gender-Based Violence, due to the cries and incidents happening to women, children and men across the world.
Speaking with warmth and conviction, Dr Levendal explained that this new season takes a closer look at the personal stories of the characters, not just as victims, but as survivors who are finding ways to cope.
“Season Two brings out the complexity of the characters,” she said. “It shows their backgrounds and how they either contribute to the problem, are affected by it, or try to overcome it. We also focus on including people who are usually left out, the marginalised.”
While the first season introduced viewers to a shocking incident and raised awareness, Season Two goes further. It explores the choices survivors face, the pressure to stay silent, and the real-life impact of GBV on students. One major issue that inspired the story is how vulnerable first-year students can be, especially when they are targeted by people in leadership roles.
“We’ve seen it in real life; many first years don’t know how to get help or if they even should report it,” Dr Levendal explained. “So, we wanted to show that reality and how difficult it can be.”
The series does not stop at telling women’s stories — it also highlights the role of men in fighting GBV. When asked how men can become involved, Dr Levendal said it’s not just about being supporters. “Men need to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviour. Sometimes, they don’t even realise they are feeding into toxic masculinity,” she said.
Dr Levendal also gave important advice to first-year students who may not know how or where to report an incident. “We run awareness programmes, and we share lots of information through student emails and on our website,” she said. “There are also events in the residences and during orientation. If they missed those, the information is still available — and we are always here to help.”
When asked about the current statistics on gender-based violence at universities, Dr Levendal admitted that the numbers are rising. But to her, that’s not entirely a bad thing.
“We believe more people are reporting because they’re finally aware that what happened to them is abuse,” she said. “Before, things like being slapped in a relationship were brushed off. Now people are speaking up — and that’s a sign that our advocacy is making a difference.”
Still, she is honest about how far there is still to go, especially in changing attitudes. “You can be highly educated, but if you don’t respect others, then education hasn’t done its job,” she said. “This work must start early at home, in preschool, and continue through school.”
For Dr Levendal, the goal is to create a culture where everyone, no matter their background or gender, is seen and respected as fully human. And while she admits that we cannot undo the past, she believes there is still hope: “We can try, and every effort counts.”
During the screening of the film, the audiences weaved a tapestry of emotional chokehold. Some were crying and during Q and A, one of the attendees, Mahlatse Moketsi, who is a rape survivor, could not hold her tears back when asking: “What would you say to GBV survivors and rape survivors?”
On the other hand, there was a scene where one of the characters was sent back from taking the University shuttles because of their sexuality, “gay”, as they are part of the LGBTQI community … the shuttle driver said: “I will not allow a gay “stabane” permission into my taxi, it will cause bad luck.”
This was to just reiterate how Gender-Based Violence is still happening and should not be accepted and students should not be ridiculed for their sexuality.
In another reflective scene from Amanda, after she was sexually assaulted, she said: “The reason this happened, is it because my dress was too short or is it because Thabiso was drunk?”. This showed how victims are trying to blame themselves and finding answers as to why that happened to them.
Sesona Bonke as Amanda urged the crowd to say its never their fault and it will never be. She advised the audience to always find someone to confide to and use the resources they have on campus such as Student Counselling.
Mlondi Bhengu as the writer, director and casting director of Season 2 says: “Memeza is not a surname. It's an encouragement to speak up, shout, tell somebody, seek support, seek guidance in the experience that you have. Do not stay silent”. He declared that the audience should stay in the loop because Season 3 is in the pipeline.
Ulleta Marais, who is the GBV counsellor and Amanda Memeza Advocacy coordinator at the University, reflected on the second season of the gender-based violence awareness series, as having a clear message for first-year students: Be aware, stay safe, and know where to go for help.
“New students often focus on starting their academic journey, but it’s just as important to think about personal safety,” she said. Marais encouraged students to protect themselves, stay alert, and use the support services available if they have experienced or witnessed gender-based violence, even before arriving at University.
“Speak out, don’t keep it in,” she added, noting that the series also shows characters opening and finding strength in reporting their experiences.