South Africa has seen 291 more women murdered, 117 more boys and 29 more girls.

This is according to the crime statistics for 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018, released by the South African Police Service in September. Clearly the murders of women and children have seen a notable increase.  

Incidents of gender-based violence (GBV) occurs in various forms and is not gender-specific. Of concern, however, is the scourge of violence perpetuated mainly against women and girls in our communities.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Mahikeng decided to join the battle by launching its own fight against GBV on 11 October 2018.

Students and staff members came together at the Student Centre, and kicked-off with a 2 km awareness march around the university grounds.

Prof Marilyn Setlalentoa, the deputy vice-chancellor for campus operations, called on the university community to join hands and to craft a gender-based violence-free future.

“The NWU wants to zero in on incidents of gender-based violence wherever and whenever they may occur. Our student and staff community is very important and the university will do anything in its power to prevent this.”

Sello Maake ka Ncube and Joshua Maphonga were guest speakers at the event, and spoke about the importance of having honest conversations among men. Sello is one of South Africa's most esteemed actors and has performed in theatre, film and television – nationally and internationally. Joshua Maponga is an author and motivational speaker.

“As a father, one of the things I really value in my relationship with my children, is the honest conversations I am able to have with them,” said Sello. “One of those conversations is how we as men view and treat our women.”

Stressing the need for a change in male behaviour, Joshua challenged the attending male students to use their hands for positive contributions to society and not for destruction.

Delivering his vote of thanks, Student Campus Council chairperson Leo Maphosa added that it is important for students to raise awareness and promote unity against gender-based violence.

“We need more dialogues among men. No longer must we be passive; but we have to become change agents in our fight against gender-based violence,” said Leo.

 NWU students and staff march against gender-based violence.