The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) community has united against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), reaffirming the University’s commitment to promoting dignity, safety and respect across its campus community.
The gathering took place against a backdrop of renewed national concern over violence against women and girls, following the discovery of women’s bodies in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. By late September, the Presidency had reported that 11 women’s bodies had been found in the area since July, while other women and girls had also been killed in different parts of the country.
The developments have intensified national discussions about the safety of women and the need for coordinated action to address GBVF. Against this backdrop, SMU staff and students gathered to reflect on their collective responsibility to challenge harmful attitudes, support those affected and contribute to a safer university environment.
Velencia Maupye, Manager: Transformation in Human Resources, opened the gathering by emphasising the importance of solidarity and collective responsibility. “This gathering reminds us that GBVF is not someone else’s problem. It affects our communities and requires all of us to take responsibility for creating an environment where people feel safe, respected and supported,” she said.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof Dini Mawela highlighted SMU’s responsibility to contribute to the broader response to gender-based violence and to ensure that members of the University community have access to support. “As SMU, we must continue to strengthen a culture where dignity, respect and safety are upheld. Our responsibility does not end with awareness; we must also ensure that members of our community know where to find support and feel confident to speak out,” she said.
The gathering also brought the student perspective into the conversation. Student leader, graduate and council member Thato Odirile Mongake called on students to play an active role in shaping the university’s culture.
“Students have an important role to play in shaping the culture of our University. We must speak up when we see harmful behaviour, support one another and reject the normalisation of violence in all its forms,” Mongake said.
Representing organised labour, Penuel Kunene stressed that addressing GBVF requires participation across society and the University community.
“GBVF affects society as a whole, and addressing it requires everyone to play their part. Organised labour stands with the University community in promoting dignity, respect and an environment free from violence,” he said.
Positive masculinity and the role of men in preventing GBVF were also central to the discussion. SMU horticulturist Mpho Mmako encouraged men to take responsibility for challenging attitudes and behaviours that contribute to violence.
“Men must understand that preventing GBVF is also our responsibility. Positive masculinity means showing respect, taking responsibility for our actions and challenging attitudes and behaviours that contribute to violence,” Mmako said.
The programme included a prayer and a moment of silence led by Dr Esmey Baratwa Esther Moema, School Operations Manager in the School of Science and Technology, providing an opportunity to remember those affected by violence.
“As we pause in this moment of silence, let us remember those whose lives have been affected by violence and reflect on what each of us can do to contribute towards a safer society,” she said.
The programme concluded with a reminder about the importance of seeking support. Maupye encouraged members of the SMU community affected by GBVF to reach out for assistance.
“No one should feel alone when facing GBVF. It is important for our community to know that support is available and that reaching out for assistance is a sign of seeking help, not weakness,” she said.
Through the gathering, SMU reaffirmed that addressing GBVF requires sustained awareness, collective responsibility and action. As a health sciences institution, the University continues to position dignity, safety and community wellbeing as important elements of its broader contribution to society.
By Gabisile Sibeko
