The Gauteng Provincial Stakeholder Cohort on Higher Education Institutions Discipline and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) recently convened at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus to review progress made by higher education institutions on implementing resolutions adopted during previous engagements.

The meeting was chaired by Mmemme Makane-Sibanda, head of the Provincial Secretariat at the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, and brought together representatives from universities and other higher education institutions across Gauteng. 

Delegates presented progress reports outlining initiatives, achievements and ongoing interventions aimed at strengthening institutional responses to discipline, student safety and the prevention of GBVF.

Opening the meeting, Mmemme commended institutions for their continued commitment to accountability and collaboration.

“Our fight against GBVF requires sustained commitment, measurable action and strong partnerships. This stakeholder cohort provides an important platform for institutions to report on progress, learn from one another and collectively strengthen systems that ensure our campuses remain safe, inclusive and responsive to the needs of students. We are encouraged by the progress demonstrated by institutions and remain committed to supporting innovative interventions that place survivors at the centre of our response.”

During her presentation, Mmemme also shared the latest Gauteng crime statistics, highlighting that contact crimes remain the highest reported category of crime in the province. She emphasised that these statistics reinforce the need for higher-education institutions to work closely with the government, law enforcement agencies and community partners to develop proactive interventions that address violence, improve campus safety and protect vulnerable students. S

he further encouraged institutions to continue using data-driven approaches to strengthen prevention programmes and ensure that survivor-centred support remains at the forefront of their GBVF responses.

Throughout the engagement, delegates also shared lessons learned, best practices and practical experiences from their respective institutions. The exchange of ideas enabled participants to identify common challenges, showcase innovative interventions and explore collaborative approaches to strengthening institutional responses to GBVF across the higher education sector.

Following the stakeholder presentations, delegates toured the newly refurbished GBVF – Victim Empowerment Centre at the campus to observe the progress made since its launch in July 2025. 

The centre stands as a pioneering initiative that responds meaningfully to the urgent national and global challenges surrounding gender-based violence and femicide, gender justice, inclusivity and transformation in higher education and society.

The flagship centre was established through a multi-stakeholder and transdisciplinary partnership formalised by a memorandum of understanding signed on 28 March 2025 between the NWU and the Gauteng Department of Community Safety. 

Built on a strong foundation of impactful interventions, academic advocacy and student-centred safety initiatives, the centre continues to strengthen collaboration between the government, higher education institutions and international partners to advance survivor-centred support and sustainable solutions to GBVF.

Delegates were taken through the various facilities and support services at the centre and were briefed on its mission to provide a safe, therapeutic and inclusive environment for survivors and those affected by GBVF. The centre also promotes cutting-edge research and thought leadership on GBVF and related socio-legal issues while empowering students, staff and surrounding communities through awareness programmes, education and advocacy. Its work is further strengthened through national and international partnerships that promote knowledge-sharing, practice-based interventions and innovation in gender justice.

The centre collaborates with strategic partners, including the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, Sonke Gender Justice, Higher Health, Ikhaya le Themba Empowerment Centre, the University College Dublin and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, combining best international practice with local expertise to create a holistic, survivor-centred model of care.

Ujeet Maharaj, head of student judicial services at the NWU and organiser of the stakeholder meeting, said hosting the cohort reflected the commitment of the university to creating safer and more inclusive higher-education institutions.

“Hosting the Gauteng Provincial Stakeholder Cohort reflects our unwavering commitment to creating safer and more inclusive higher-education institutions. This platform enables universities to account for the progress they have made, share innovative practices and strengthen partnerships in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide.” 

He added that the visit to the GBVF Victim Empowerment Centre demonstrated what can be achieved when institutions move beyond policy and invest in practical, survivor-centred solutions. 

“We are encouraged by the collective commitment shown by all participating institutions and look forward to building on this momentum at the next stakeholder meeting.”

Delegates commended the NWU for establishing a facility that not only responds to the immediate needs of survivors, but also contributes to long-term institutional transformation and the creation of safer campuses across South Africa.

The stakeholder meeting concluded with renewed commitments from participating institutions to continue to implement agreed resolutions, strengthen accountability mechanisms and work collectively towards eliminating GBVF in the higher education sector of South Africa.

The next Gauteng Provincial Stakeholder Cohort meeting will be hosted by the Tshwane University of Technology, where member institutions will once again report on progress, evaluate the implementation of agreed resolutions and further strengthen collaborative efforts to advance safer, more inclusive higher education environments across the province.