
Gender-Based Violence Workshop for Staff
Click here for isiZulu version
In the quest of underscoring the University’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all, the School of Management, Information Technology, and Governance (SMIG) hosted the first-of-its-kind gender-based violence (GBV) workshop for staff members.
Organised and moderated by Dr Lungile Ntombela, and Dr Njabulo Khumalo, both from the Discipline of Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations, the event aimed to deepen staff member’s understanding of GBV within the context of the University and highlight the role of staff in championing GBV awareness through curriculum development and interactions with other staff and students.
The event took place on the Westville campus and featured facilitator Ms Thenjiwe Mswane, Gender Practitioner in Higher Education, who provided an overview of GBV and further delved into UKZN’s newly established Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Unit which is a specialised investigations unit that addresses sexual violence matters within the Institution.
‘The SGBV scope of protection covers all staff members, students and third-parties affiliated with UKZN, meaning that whether you are within the University or external third-party personnel providing a service to the Institution, the University holds a right to act on whatever matter of violence is brought to us,’ said Mswane.
She further introduced the “5 R’s framework” which serves as a crucial advocacy tool for staff and academics when responding to GBV/SGBV incidents. These include Re-affirm: Offering support and validation to victims; Report: Ensuring that incidents are reported through proper channels; Review: Evaluating the situation and institutional responses; Re-learn: Engaging in continuous education to challenge and change harmful behaviours; and Remember: Keeping the commitment to fight GBV at the forefront of personal and professional conduct.
This workshop not only created a safe space for staff to engage in meaningful dialogues about GBV/SGBV, but also equipped them with the tools and knowledge needed to tackle such issues effectively within the University community.
Mswane offered practical advice, highlighting platforms to report any cases, with an emergency walk-in centre available from 08h30 to 16h30 at UKZN for immediate assistance for GBV/SGBV incidents.
Use the contacts below to report cases of GBV:
Staff Toll-Free line: 0800 255 254
Students Toll-Free line: 0800 800 017
Request a Call Back: *134*905#
Words and photograph: Ayanda Radebe