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INSIDE EDUCATION REPORTER
NELSON Mandela University has partnered with Alumni-in-Action (A-i-A), an initiative whose mission is to enable access to advanced mental health support for student survivors of Gender-Based-Violence (GBV).
This is through the organisation’s funding to allow survivors to have up to eight therapy sessions.
This chapter of A-i-A was launched on 8 March during a webinar.
A-i-A was co-founded by Zellah Fuphe, a University of Cape Town (UCT) alumnus and Sanda Nyoka, a current UCT student. It initially launched in partnership with UCT in August 2021.
Having witnessed the devastation of the murder of a young female UCT student in 2019, Fuphe and Nyoka felt compelled to advocate for an end to the negative impact of GBV by personally funding the project.
Fuphe said: “I believe in the power of education and its positive impact on society. Empowering tertiary students who otherwise may not be able to access services after trauma may hinder the completion of their studies. Helping these students is an important part of shaping a progressive society.”
The initiative with UCT has supported 27 student survivors to date, with 177 sessions booked with psychologists. Fuphe added that it was significant that the launch took place on 8 March, which is International Women’s Day, because GBV affects women from all walks of life.
A-i-A chose to partner with Nelson Mandela University for three years because of its progressive and innovative approach to supporting survivors of GBV. This includes its use of technology to monitor and identify GBV hotspots.
“A-i-A@Mandela is a partnership based on shared values and a strong commitment to put survivors first and bring care, hope and compassion to them,” said Fuphe.
She added that while A-i-A has provided the initial funding for A-i-A@Mandela to the tune of R150 000 for each of the three years, additional funding will enable the provision of support to more student survivors of GBV.
“We are grateful that Barloworld has heeded our call to action and generously pledged R250 000 towards A-i-A@Mandela. The donation is no surprise to A-i-A, as it further demonstrates Barloworld’s commitment to transformation and the equitable representation and inclusion of women in our society.”
Nelson Mandela University Vice-Chancellor Prof Sibongile Muthwa said the University “advocates for the equality and right of all to work and learn in a safe environment, free of gender-based harm and violations. The Alumni-in-Action project will enhance the programmes we have on campus that create awareness of Gender-Based Violence and those that support survivors.”
Prof Muthwa explained that the University’s Statement of Commitment is to have an inclusive institutional culture, which denounces all forms of behaviour in conflict with its values.
“To this end, Mandela University, as an engaged institution with a renewed commitment to actively fighting this ongoing GBV pandemic on our campuses, continues the work towards ensuring a safer and inclusive environment for all across the gender spectrum.”
Prof Andre Keet, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Engagement and Transformation at Mandela University, said: “We welcome this partnership with Alumni-in-Action. Collaboration and partnerships are needed to solve our society’s challenges.”
In addition, Emthonjeni Student Wellness and Student Health Services have developed a joint online case management system for recording GBV data to avoid duplication in reporting.
Analysis of the factors contributing to the GBV incidents reported to the Transformation Office has enabled the
University to provide integrated interventions to raise awareness and address these causal factors.
“In essence, A-i-A speaks to our values of Ubuntu and Social Justice and Equality. I want to commend the founders of this initiative for their altruism in putting their resources into this project and for taking the time to help others in need. This exemplifies the namesake of our University, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who worked selflessly for social justice and the good of others,” said Prof Keet.
On Sunday, 12 February 2023, the Eastcape Midlands TVET College Students Busiwe Notyawe, Sesethu Dweba and Asanda Ngubo were murdered whilst socialising in a public entertainment venue.
According to preliminary investigations, the students were socialising at a sit-in place at Kwazakele when an unknown gunman forced the door of the house open and fired shots at them.
The motive for the killing is still under investigation.
At the time of their unfortunate death, these students were enrolled for N5 Management Assistant and Financial Management at the College’s Heath Park Campus in Qgeberha.
On Tuesday, 21st of February 2023, Lesego Tsindo, a 22-year-old male student at Sydney Maseko Community College, was stabbed to death close to where he lives.
On Thursday, 23rd of February 2023, Thabang Ndlovu, a 19-year-old male student at Aaron Moeti Community College, was also stabbed to death. Community members and fellow students found him lying on the sports ground near the Aaroo Moeti Community.
On Thursday, 23rd February 2023, three University of Fort Hare female students were mugged and assaulted on their way to the university’s Alice campus. One of the students was killed, and the other student was raped.
This gruesome incident occurred outside the university premises on the Tyhume river bridge that connects the town of Alice with the university campus.
Minister of Higher Education and Training, Science and Innovation Dr Blade Nzimande urged law
enforcement agencies to investigate all the circumstances that might have led to the death of these
students.
“We must recognise that our Post School Education and Training (PSET) sector is a microcosm of our greater society. This is demonstrated in the manifestation and many instances of reproduction of social pathologies on our campuses, such as rape, and violent murders, mostly against women,” said Minister Nzimande.
The Minister further encourage all the Vice Chancellors (VC) and TVET College Principals to continue to engage with the Department of Higher Education and Training on all security-related issues to enable the Department to engage with the Cabinet Security Cluster, particularly on security concerns that have an impact on the institution’s ability to perform their duties.
INSIDE EDUCATION