CPUT today declared a zero tolerance approach against gender-based violence.

The Institutional Position Statement on Gender-Based Violence was officially launched this morning at a function where the university and government partners made it clear that gender-based violence had no place in higher education institutions.

“We are saying: ‘We don’t have an appetite for gender-based violence. We don’t have tolerance for gender-based violence and as an institution, we are going to deal harshly with all these particular aspects if they try in any way to rear their ugly head within the confines of CPUT, said Vice-Chancellor, Dr Chris Nhlapo.

Deputy Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela commended CPUT for its progressive approach in developing the policy.

“Gender-based violence, including rape and other forms of sexual harassment remains one of the foremost challenges that we have to tackle hand in hand as citizens and as government. We cannot treat gender-based violence with a business as usual attitude.”

He said the scourge of gender-based violence at higher education institutions had been a constant plague that interferes with students’ studies and careers.

“It corrupts the integrity of the education system and erodes the Constitutional rights to equality, dignity and freedom from all forms of violence.”

Thokozani Nyawasha from The Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) said the Higher Education Gender-Based Violence Policy Framework, would ensure that all universities and colleges must have dedicated gender-based violence police. She said this policy was currently undergoing internal processes before its planned release later this year.

“Our hearts bleed when we witness an increase in gender-based violence in institutions of higher learning. We, however, find solace in what we are witnessing today. This day shows that it is time to act and not to talk. While many universities and TVET colleges still do not have any policies on gender-based violence CPUT has demonstrated leadership”.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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CPUT’s Institutional Gender-Based Violence Position Statement will officially be launched today (August 16).

Students and staff have been invited to attend the event, which will be held at the Major Sports Hall on the Bellville campus between 10 am and 2 pm.

The host of speakers will include Buti Manamela: Deputy Minister of Higher Education & Training and Anne Githuku-Shongwe, Country Director: UN Women.

In addition to the speakers the CPUT Choir, the CPUT Drama Group and other groups will perform.

“According to research findings by the SA Medical Research Council, one woman is killed by her intimate partner every eight hours, the highest incidence in the world,” said Melanie Marais, Head of the HIV/Aids Unit.

“The statement provides the university’s position and response to gender-based violence at the institution, highlighting the safety of students and staff, especially survivors of gender-based violence. It also intends to take a serious stance against alleged perpetrators.”

She said the Men’s Forum aims to involve men in being part of the solution in the fight against gender-based violence.

“We’ve already started a campaign, called the Amajitas Men’s Campaign, where a number of discussions amongst and about men took place and some male students and staff have already joined the forum.”

The men will read a pledge against gender-based violence during today’s function.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Information Technology Department lecturer Waldon Hendricks was one of the speakers at the Huawei ICT Academy Instructor Summit, which was recently held in Johannesburg.

The event was attended by Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Heads of Departments and instructors from some of South Africa’s top tertiary institutions and Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, delivered the keynote address.

The event also included the launch of the TVET Colleges Curriculum Transformation Network.

Hendricks spoke on the topic of The Impact of Career Certification in Graduates.

“I truly enjoyed the Huawei ICT Academy Instructor Summit and found it to be an invaluable experience. It provided an excellent platform for networking with industry experts, exchanging ideas, and exploring the latest trends in technology. For my career, the summit reaffirmed the importance of staying current with emerging technologies and the role of continuous learning in professional growth.”

He said the agreement between Huawei, DHET, and the Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology aims to transform the ICT curriculum at TVETs to include training in the latest technologies and he would want to see the CPUT Huawei ICT Academy get involved.

Martin Mandioma, Programme Coordinator: Communication Networks in the IT Department attended the event with Hendricks.

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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