The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Gauteng Department of Community Safety (GDCS) to empower communities and promote social justice, focusing on gender-based violence (GBV).
The signing ceremony included representatives from the Sedibeng District, student leaders, university officials and stakeholders, featuring speeches and the signing of the MOU. The ceremony started with the lighting of the Candle of Hope to honour survivors and victims of GBV, reaffirming everyone’s commitment to creating lasting change for the vulnerable.
The MOU between the Vanderbijlpark Campus and the GDCS will focus on community safety, development and empowerment. Nthibe Makoro from the NWU emphasised the alignment of the MOU with the NWU’s goal of building resilient communities, while Mmemme Makane Sibanda from the GDSC highlighted the sustainable objectives of the collaboration.
Nontsikelelo Sisulu, head of Gauteng Community Safety and the main speaker, highlighted the positive impact of the partnership in enhancing safety and gender development, commending both organisations for their commitment to community improvement.
In his remarks Prof Sibusiso Chalufu, acting deputy vice-chancellor for Vanderbijlpark Campus operations and executive director for student life, said the MOU symbolises a long-standing vision initiated in 2022, driven by dedicated colleagues determined to make a difference.
“This MOU embodies years of effort and engagements with stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable solutions to combat GBV and femicide. The necessity for this partnership stems from the recognition that GBV remains a pressing global crisis, particularly in South Africa, where it manifests as an epidemic that devastates families and communities. Sociocultural factors deeply rooted in patriarchal norms further perpetuate this violence, emphasising the need for urgent intervention," he noted.
With the MOU in place, the primary objective now is to identify key drivers and contributing factors of GBV at the NWU, allowing for the design and implementation of sustainable solutions aimed at eradicating this crisis. Moreover, the project will offer essential support services to both victims and perpetrators, extending assistance to affected families, guardians and children.
The project outlines several key initiatives aimed at addressing gender-based violence. First, a needs assessment will be conducted to thoroughly research and understand the root causes and prevalence of GBV at the NWU and in the surrounding Vaal community. Following this, education and awareness efforts will be implemented through training and campaigns designed to educate staff, students, and community members on prevention and intervention strategies.
In addition, the project will focus on developing evidence-based interventions by creating trauma-informed programmes that aim to support victims and rehabilitate perpetrators. To ensure these initiatives are effective, monitoring and evaluation frameworks will be established to assess their impact. Moreover, marketing and advocacy efforts will raise awareness and challenge societal norms that perpetuate GBV. Finally, by strengthening collaborations and partnerships with government entities, law enforcement, and community organisations, the project seeks to drive systemic change in addressing this critical issue.
Ujeet Maharaj, head of student judicial services who was key in organising the event, expressed his satisfaction with its success after months of planning and collaboration.
“The signing of this MOU represents a significant milestone in our commitment to community empowerment and social justice. This partnership with the GDCS is a step towards building a brighter, safer future, and I am proud to have played a part in bringing it to life.”
Prof Sibusiso Chalufu, acting deputy vice-chancellor for Vanderbijlpark Campus operations and executive director for student life, and Nontsikelelo Sisulu, head of the Gauteng Department of Community Safety.
