UKZN Hosts Ground-Breaking Male-Centred GBV Awareness Programme

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In a strong push to address gender-based violence (GBV), masculinity, and men’s mental health issues on campus, UKZN hosted the iLawu Lamadoda Male GBV Awareness Programme.

Presented by the Department of Student Residence Affairs in partnership with Student Governance and Leadership Development, the programme brought together more than 1 000 male students in a transformative space aimed at reshaping societal perceptions of manhood and promoting accountability.

Subjects ranged from mental health and masculinity to social pressure and gender identity, all designed to inspire self-reflection and social responsibility among the student community.

Ms Sisana Machi, Interim Director of the Department of Student Residence Affairs, explained that iLawu Lamadoda was organised as part of Men’s Month activities to create a platform for young men to openly engage with pressing societal issues, particularly gender-based violence (GBV), mental health, suicide, and toxic masculinity.

Machi opened the programme saying that as it was Men’s Month, the event was organised to empower male students to engage with and address issues being highlighted. She emphasised that UKZN had experienced a number of cases related to GBV and suicide in recent years, making it important to provide a platform where male students could be educated, empowered, and inspired by societal leaders.

The goal was to encourage UKZN male students to take ownership of their actions, question traditional norms, and actively participate in creating safer communities on and off UKZN campuses.

Speakers and thought leaders from across government, education, health, and law enforcement sectors participated in impactful panel discussions, including Mr Patrick Mdletshe of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Mr Siphesihle Dlamini of Higher Health, Mr Sabelo Ntuli of the Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Mr Thembinkosi Shezi of the KZN Department of Social Development, and Captain A Nkosi, Umbilo SAPS Station Commander.

Manager of Student Governance and Leadership Development, Mr Muzomuhle Mhlongo, said true leadership started with self-awareness and identity, urging students to invest in understanding who they were as men in modern society. Similarly, Nkosi provided legal insights on consent, violence, and the consequences of abusive behaviour, reinforcing the importance of respecting human rights and dignity.

Cultural and musical performances, including IMVUNGE THE MUSICAL: AFRICAN MUSIC, the UKZN Jazz Band Trio, and the UKZN Choir, underscored the message of healing, resilience and solidarity. These performances amplified the emotional tone of the programme, connecting with students on a deeper, cultural level.

The programme was not just informative, it was emotionally resonant with male students sharing personal reflections and experiences while being mentored by community leaders.

By addressing the deep-rooted stereotypes surrounding masculinity, iLawu Lamadoda called for urgent change in how young men perceive themselves and their responsibilities in relationships, society and institutions.

Mr Owethu Dlamini, a fourth-year Bachelor of Education student on the Edgewood campus, shared how impactful the event proved to be. “I thank UKZN for hosting such an important programme through which I realised that it is vital to take care of yourself in every way - mentally, physically, and emotionally - as many men in society get involved in crime and other negative situations because they don’t address their emotional state.”

iLawu Lamadoda marked a significant milestone in UKZN’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of inclusivity, safety, and wellness. Through role modelling, open dialogue, and meaningful partnerships, the programme is set to become a beacon of transformation, equipping male students not only to resist harmful gender norms but also to become leaders of change in their communities.

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photograph: Supplied