Hosted by the UMP Gender Forum, the event focused on three pressing issues affecting young people across the country: gender-based violence (GBV), cyberbullying, and human trafficking.
The gathering provided a platform for dialogue, reflection, and shared commitment, with both students and staff expressing their views and pledging to foster a safer and more inclusive campus environment.
ATSP (Academic Talent Stewardship Programme) Fellow and Associate Lecturer, Ms Vuyelwa Magagula, emphasised the multidimensional nature of the campaign, which seeks to address GBV, cyberbullying, and human trafficking collectively.
The awareness campaign focused on three pressing issues affecting young people across the country: gender-based violence (GBV), Cyberbullying, and Human trafficking.
“We strive to raise awareness, foster open dialogue, and honour the lives lost to GBV. This is about creating a space where students and staff feel seen, heard, and protected – a space where silence no longer shields injustice,” she said.
Mr Hlompho Prosper Chiloane, Student Representative Council (SRC) President, delivered a heartfelt message that resonated with many. Speaking candidly, he reminded the audience that he, too, is a student who feels vulnerable in the face of GBV.
“GBV is not just a national crisis – it is a campus crisis. Bullying is not just a high school issue; it is eating our students alive in the shadows of these state-of-the-art lecture halls. Human trafficking is not a Netflix series… it is so real. It happens when you think you’re just going out for a drink, and you don’t come back.”
He acknowledged the role of support systems on campus, saying:
Students were urged to become active participants against gender-based violence.
“To the Gender Forum, to our Student Support Services, to Campus Security Services, to the Student Housing Division, to the Student Wellness Division – thank you for standing with us. But we must do more.”
In his closing remarks, Mr Chiloane called for collective responsibility and peer accountability:
“As students, our role is not only to demand change but to embody it. Boys; let’s talk to one another. Let’s hold each other accountable. Let’s not laugh off harassment as ‘jokes’. Girls; let’s build protective circles. Let’s not leave each other behind.”
The event concluded with a candle-lighting ceremony in memory of those who have lost their lives to gender-based violence. As the flames flickered in the night, attendees stood in silence – not as bystanders, but as active participants in the pursuit of justice and safety. The Creating Safe and Inclusive Spaces at UMP campaign continues to serve as a vital platform for advocacy, education, and change – reinforcing the message that awareness must lead to action.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.