These initiatives align with the broader transformation agenda of the South African higher education sector, which recognizes the pervasive impact of GBV on students and staff, as well as the critical need to create safe and inclusive learning environments.
Given the broad societal nature of the challenge, it is not surprising that the recently released study by the Commission for Gender Equality on sexual harassment in institutions of higher learning continues to paint a bleak picture of some of the practices that constitute GBV on our campuses and enjoins us to strengthen our efforts to eradicate the scourge.
In light of the report, which was the basis of a News24 article published this morning, the University wishes to remind its community of the ongoing efforts in the fight against GBV.
Gender-based violence in Higher Education
South Africa faces an entrenched crisis of GBV, reflecting broader societal inequities, systemic patriarchal structures and cultural norms that perpetuate gender disparities. Higher education institutions are not immune to this scourge.
The South African government and stakeholders in the higher education sector have responded to this challenge by prioritizing GBV interventions, culminating in the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) Policy Framework to Address Gender-Based Violence in the Post-School Education and Training System, promulgated in 2020.
The rationale for this policy framework is rooted in the recognition that GBV compromises the well-being, dignity and academic success of students and staff. The policy seeks to establish a zero-tolerance approach to GBV, institutionalize mechanisms for prevention and a form of justice to survivors. Significantly, it stresses the importance of creating accountability systems, promoting gender equity and fostering an environment where survivors feel safe to report incidents without fear of stigma or retribution.
Nelson Mandela University's response and efforts
As Mandela University, we are systematically working at our responsibility to curb GBV in and around our campuses and have been proactive in our approach, guided by the principles of the DHET framework and our own institutional ethos of social justice and transformation.
GBV advocacy continues across the board, including institutionally, under the umbrella of the Transformation Office, and within the student population under the Student Life and Development unit, and with the critical psychosocial support provided by the Emthonjeni Student Wellness unit and the requisite medical care given by the Student Health Services. Further free advanced psychosocial support is provided to GBV student survivors, who do not have access to medical aid benefits, by external psychologists via the Alumni-in-Action initiative.
The University has implemented several measures to address GBV over the years, which have been commended by the Commission for Gender Equality at the Policy Dialogue on 10 December 2024.
These include policy interventions, protection mechanisms, widespread and sustained awareness campaigns, training and capacity building, support services, engagements and partnerships, and research and advocacy. Please see the dedicated webpage for further details on these.
A continuing journey
While Mandela University has made significant strides in GBV awareness and prevention, it acknowledges that addressing GBV is an ongoing journey that requires sustained effort.
The University remains committed to continuously working to strengthen these initiatives, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect, and ensuring that its campuses are spaces where everybody can thrive free from fear or harm.
This is a collective journey for all of us within Mandela University, and the communities we serve.
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