The Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU) has convened a Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Multi-Stakeholder Forum to strengthen collaboration between the university, law enforcement agencies, government structures and community organisations in addressing GBVF and improving student safety.
Held on 15 October 2026 under the theme “Strengthening collective efforts on the Mahikeng Campus”, the engagement was chaired by Dr Joe Molete, deputy vice-chancellor for student life, transformation and people and culture. It brought together representatives from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Community Policing Forum, indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), religious leadership and the NWU.
The forum provided a platform to discuss coordinated approaches to GBVF prevention, case management, survivor support and safety challenges affecting students and staff, particularly those travelling between campus and off-campus residences.
The discussions emphasised that GBVF and campus safety require a collective response that extends beyond the boundaries of the university. Strong partnerships, clearly defined responsibilities and sustained engagement with surrounding communities were identified as essential to developing practical and lasting interventions.
Strengthening partnerships and support systems
Participants discussed formalising collaboration through existing structures, including the Campus Community Safety Forum, to ensure that stakeholders work together without duplicating efforts.
The proposed approach includes establishing focused working groups to address specific priorities, identifying representatives from participating organisations and introducing regular progress reports to strengthen accountability.
Collaboration with the NPA was also highlighted as an important component of the GBVF response of the university. Areas of cooperation include awareness campaigns, campus dialogues, first-year orientation programmes, training, research and improved coordination in the management of GBVF-related cases.
The engagement further explored opportunities to work with traditional health practitioners and IKS practitioners on culturally appropriate support, community engagement, research and healing initiatives. The proposed collaboration is still to be finalised.
Participants also supported a coordinated approach across the campuses of the NWU, building on existing relationships with law enforcement agencies and other local stakeholders.
Improving student safety beyond campus
Student safety, particularly along routes connecting the Mahikeng Campus to nearby commercial areas and off-campus residences, emerged as a key concern.
The meeting reviewed the Purple Routes initiative of the university, including the third route introduced as a pilot on 1 August 2026. The routes are intended to improve safety for students travelling between designated campus access points and surrounding areas.
Participants identified several challenges requiring attention, including limited patrol coverage during late-night hours, inadequate lighting, insufficient CCTV coverage, non-operational municipal cameras and vegetation obstructing visibility along some routes. The availability of appropriate facilities for security patrollers was also raised, alongside the need to improve arrangements for students who remain on campus late, particularly during examination periods.
The forum emphasised the importance of closer cooperation with the local municipality, public works authorities, private security providers, surrounding businesses and community safety structures. Proposed interventions include following up on the repair and maintenance of cameras, improving lighting, addressing traffic congestion near the main campus entrance and assessing options for additional patrols and student emergency support.
Participants also explored the potential use of panic buttons, mobile emergency alerts and strategically positioned emergency points. These proposals will require further assessment of their affordability, reliability, data protection requirements and integration with emergency response services.
Strengthening case management and prevention
The forum highlighted the importance of improving the recording, tracking and coordination of GBVF-related cases.
The existing CHASE system of the NWU is used to record and track reported cases, but information can enter the system through different university services. Participants discussed the need to improve consistency in data collection, provide additional training for system users and explore better reporting and monitoring arrangements.
The meeting also acknowledged that underreporting remains a challenge, meaning available statistics may not reflect the full extent of GBVF.
Improved coordination with the SAPS and the NPA was identified as important in addressing case progression and identifying opportunities to strengthen communication between institutions, while respecting their respective legal mandates.
In addition, participants highlighted the value of research and information sharing to support evidence-informed prevention strategies, awareness programmes and survivor support services.
Turning commitments into action
The forum identified several priorities for follow-up, including strengthening the existing stakeholder coordination structures, finalising relevant agreements, addressing urgent safety concerns and improving collaboration between the university and external partners.
Focused working groups are expected to consider areas such as GBVF prevention, crime prevention, emergency management, student wellness, infrastructure and security, cyber safety, communication and awareness and spiritual and traditional support approaches.
Progress will need to be monitored through subsequent forum meetings, with responsible stakeholders reporting on interventions and outstanding matters.
The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of the NWU to working with law enforcement agencies, government structures and communities to prevent GBVF, improve access to support and create safer environments for students and staff.
Through sustained collaboration, practical safety interventions and stronger support systems, the university and its partners aim to translate the discussions into meaningful action across the Mahikeng Campus and its surrounding communities.
Dr Joe Molete, deputy vice-chancellor for student life, transformation and people and culture with the assigned function of the Mahikeng Campus.
