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By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mimmy Gondwe, joined student leaders from across the country on Friday at the University of Johannesburg’s Island Vaal Dam campus to address pressing challenges faced by young people.
At the roundtable discussion, student representatives from TVET colleges and universities raised concerns over accommodation shortages, NSFAS funding delays, mental health struggles, and the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV).
Zandile Sithole, President of the Soweto Diepkloof Community Learning Centre and Gauteng’s Deputy Provincial CLC President, spoke candidly about sexual misconduct by lecturers.
“We have serious cases of lecturers sending inappropriate messages or engaging in sexual relationships with students. When reported, they either receive a warning or get transferred elsewhere,” she said, calling for decisive action, including dismissals.
Sithole added that the abuse of power by lecturers suppresses students: “Yes, we are both adults, but you are using your position to oppress me. Lecturers must understand they are there to teach, not exploit.”
Reflecting on her SRC experience, Sithole said her understanding of GBV had expanded: “At first, we thought of GBV as only physical or sexual violence, but we’ve seen its mental and emotional dimensions too.”
In response, Gondwe stressed that the department takes GBV seriously, citing ongoing work with the Commission for Gender Equality.
“They have found patterns of sexual exploitation not only between lecturers and students, but also among students themselves, where SRC members abuse their positions,” Gondwe said.
She urged student leaders to call out perpetrators, hold them accountable, and lead by example.
INSIDE EDUCATION
