The University of Limpopo continues to foster dialogue addressing the critical issue of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)
By Keletso Makgopa ulpublications@ul.ac.za
In a time when Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) continue to cast a dark shadow over the South African society, the University of Limpopo (UL), known for its commitment to finding solutions to community challenges, has taken a stand through meaningful initiatives
Recently, the University’s Research Development and Administration collaborated with the Gender Desk to create a dialogue aimed at addressing the pressing issue of GBVF.
The seminar, themed ‘Tracking and Finding Solutions for Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in the Community’, brought together experts, stakeholders, and community members, united in their determination to confront the GBVF crisis. The event was graced largely by women who showed up in great numbers, determined to find solutions alongside men who supported and actively participated in the event.
Honourable Florence Radzilani, MEC for the Department of Social Development in Limpopo, calls for stronger collaboration between institutions to combat GBVF
In her keynote address, Honourable Florence Radzilani, MEC for Limpopo Department of Social Development, spoke passionately about the ongoing scourge of GBVF, which continues to devastate countless lives. “GBVF manifests in various forms, leaving behind a trail of trauma and destruction that affects all of us, regardless of age, gender, or status,” she said. She urged for stronger collaboration between key institutions, including the Department of Social Development, the Police, the Department of Health, and universities, to establish robust protocols for reporting and responding to GBVF cases. She also emphasised the urgent need to train professionals to handle such cases with sensitivity, ensuring that victims are met with compassion, not sexism.
Rev Dr Ngwako Rapakwana, Director of UL’s Gender Desk, highlighted the institution’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for students, staff, and visitors. “We take pride in providing immediate assistance to anyone who reaches out, no matter the time. Our team works collaboratively to offer comprehensive support,” she said. This includes psychological services, trauma-informed care, and partnerships with social workers and the Centre for Student Counselling and Development to ensure no one faces these challenges alone.
Prof Hans Onya, Associate Professor at UL, underscored the seminar’s goal which he said is to share research findings, form a coalition, and identify resources to combat violence against vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, the disabled, and the LGBTQIA+ community in Mankweng and surrounding villages. “Our aim is to highlight the current state of GBVF in these areas and galvanise efforts to remove Mankweng from the list of GBVF hotspots,” he said.
Dr Joyce Mashamba, Senior Lecturer in UL’s Public Health Department, linked the roots of violence in South Africa to its history of apartheid, inequality, and deeply entrenched gender power imbalances. “Between 25% and 40% of South African women have faced sexual and/or physical Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in their lifetime,” she stated. She also revealed that fewer than 50% of women report emotional or economic abuse by intimate partners. “The prevalence of rape is equally concerning, with estimates ranging from 12% to 28% of women having been raped in their lifetime,” Prof Mashamba highlighted.
