A powerful collaboration between the W&RSETA, the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, and the Department of Retail Business Management recently hosted a Transformative Workshop aimed at tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV), inspiring change, and fostering a safer community for all.

In this workshop, the Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM), in collaboration with CPUT, invited students to engage in an interactive and empowering session dedicated to tackling GBV through meaningful dialogue, education, and practical practices. Jonathan Aspeling, a lecturer in Retail Business Management, emphasised that this event was vital for raising awareness among students about the critical issues of GBV and femicide, providing a platform for student voices to resonate. Aspeling, who is also the project manager, commended the facilitation team for their extensive experience in GBV awareness training and support, ensuring that the workshop's goals of enhancing awareness and equipping participants with practical tools were successfully met.

“The workshops have reduced stigma, encouraging help-seeking, equipped students to support survivors, challenged harmful attitudes, and promoted a culture of accountability and equality.” 

He said the workshops benefit students by enhancing their awareness of GBV under the banner of “Not in my Name”, adding that the GBV awareness workshops are funded by the W&RSETA and hosted by the Retail Business Management Department, but have resulted in dynamic partnerships within the Business Management and Sciences Faculty and between different faculties. “Creating awareness about the scourge of gender-based violence prevalent in our communities and country, ensuring that our CPUT community is not only aware but is also encouraged to speak out, support, and address correct attitudes.”

Thuli Mjwara, the Strategic Advocacy Coordinator at IAM, facilitated the workshop. During a participatory exercise, students identified societal factors that contribute to GBV, including patriarchy, toxic masculinity, and restrictions on women’s choices. The session also emphasised the process of obtaining a protection order and explained important legal documents, such as the J88 form and victim impact statements, which are essential when reporting cases to the South African Police Service.

 “I believe this workshop will foster meaningful change, as it equips students with immediate access to a comprehensive directory of support services available within the Western Cape province. By empowering victims and first responders with this vital information, we take a crucial step towards ensuring timely assistance and intervention. Eradicating gender-based violence requires not only raising awareness but also making support services easily accessible to all, enabling survivors to report incidents and hold perpetrators accountable. This approach strengthens our collective effort to create safer communities.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The highlight of Women’s Month at CPUT will be the launch of the Gender-Based Violence Policy on 16 August.

Students and staff are invited to attend the launch of the GBV policy which replaces the Sexual Harassment Policy. A Men’s Forum will also be launched at the same event.

In addition to the GBV Policy launch, the institution will host the 2018 Young Women Empowerment Conference on 18-19 August aimed at female students at Western Cape higher education institutions, including TVET colleges.

The Policy and Men’s Forum launch takes place between 10 am and 1 pm on 16 August in the Sports Hall on Bellville Campus.

On 18 August CPUT Vice-Chancellor Dr Chris Nhlapo will welcome students and speakers, including the conference's two keynote speakers Minister of Women in the Presidency Minister Bathabile Dlamini and Artscape CEO Dr Marlene le Roux.

Head of CPUT’s HIV/Aids Unit Melanie Marais said while the conference was aimed at female students the launch of the GBV Policy and Men’s Forum was open to everyone.

“The Institutional Position Statement on gender-based violence and the Policy has been discussed widely and approved by management. We have to acknowledge that yes, men are part of the problem of gender-based violence, but they are also part of the solution,” said Marais.

She said last year’s Young Women Leadership Conference was well attended and well received and this year there will be breakaway sessions on men as partners in GBV, networking and social media, reproductive health, entrepreneurship, leadership and personal development as well as digital storytelling. During the plenary sessions, gender-based violence, mental health and disability and access will all form part of important conference discussions.
Student Development Officer Melani Hara said she has been working closely with Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Innovative Educational Technology Daniela Gachago on the digital storytelling aspect. They will use videos that have already been created to elicit stories about the issues young people are facing.

“It gives a platform to the young women who are attending on the day. The conference is as much about the important people who will attend as it is about the youngsters, to give them a chance to gain skills and learn,” said Hara.

Anyone interested in attending the launch of the Gender Based Violence Policy and Men’s Forum can follow this link and check here for more information on the conference.

• CPUT GBV Position Statement

Written by Theresa Smith
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CPUT is gearing up for a silent protest to demonstrate support for victims of gender-based violence (GBV) and encourage students and staff to speak out against this behavioural problem.

For the first time in history, Bellville, District Six, Mowbray and Wellington campuses will take part in the silent protests during lunchtime on 29 August.

“We’re making history,” says Melanie Marais, Head of the HIV/Aids Unit. “For the first time in history CPUT’s four main campuses will support the GBV cause at the same time, same day.”

As part of the cause, the Unit wrapped trees with purple ribbons on all the main campuses including Ganger Bay to symbolize gender-based violence.

Championed by the HIV Unit, the event is a partnership between Student Affairs and the Institutional Transformation Unit.

“The aim of the protest is to break our silence on the issue of gender-based violence. We are saying students and staff must speak out against GBV,” says Marais.

A year ago CPUT launched its Position Statement on the Institutional Response to GBV and is in the process of finalising its first GBV Policy.

According to Marais, South Africa has the highest rate of gender-based violence and femicide in the world and that 10% of all reported rape cases happened at universities.

She says the Unit wants to change the course of history and eliminate gender-based violence on campus and in the communities.

Students and staff are urged to participate in the silent peaceful protests on their campuses and posters with slogans and messages will be made available.

Everyone is encouraged to wear something purple on that day to support the cause.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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