With the gender-based violence (GBV) rate in South Africa being five times higher than the global average according to Stats SA, the North-West University (NWU) is doing its part by creating awareness and offering support to those in need.

On 12 November the NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Dan Kgwadi, had a virtual conversation with the university community regarding student discipline, GBV and other related issues.

Prof Kgwadi said as a university, the NWU can guarantee the quality of its qualifications, but it cannot guarantee the safety of students, especially female students who remain vulnerable both on the university campuses and within the broader community.  

He encouraged students to report all incidents of violence on campus to enable the university to investigate and act accordingly.  

He said that the NWU will not tolerate ill-disciplined students and GBV. He encouraged GBV victims at the university to notify him directly about these incidents.

“Students must open cases against their perpetrators, and once a case has been opened, they should not withdraw the charges, even if they are being threatened or offered a bribe,” said Prof Kgwadi.

He added that when a student withdraws charges, the perpetrator is given another chance to do the same to other students. He urged students who are being threatened or bribed to let the NWU know so that they can be assisted.

Prof Kgwadi also highlighted all the measures the NWU has put in place.

In cases where students have experienced trauma, the NWU has ensured that they receive counselling, and throughout the lockdown period, the Student Life division also arranged a number of virtual counselling sessions.

The NWU has also put in place a GBV and sexual offence policy that will assist both students and staff.

Prof Dan Kgwadi is the principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU.