Held on 4 October 2025 under the theme Unity in Diversity, the symposium Pride March underscored the importance of diversity as a strength and inclusivity as a foundation for both personal and institutional transformation. It also provided a platform for dialogue, solidarity, and collective action to address exclusion, marginalisation, and discrimination that threaten safe learning spaces.
Chairperson of the UMP Gender Forum, Dr Nonzwakazi Maqubela, said the symposium, now in its seventh year, raises awareness about the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence (GBV) as well as homophobia in higher education.
“The event affirms the dignity, visibility, and rights of LGBTQIA+ students and staff. It also mobilises the UMP community towards active participation in creating inclusive, safe, and affirming environments,” she said, adding that it strengthens partnerships between students, staff, and stakeholders in advancing equality and social justice.
The symposium aims to create awareness of the institution's commitment to creating a safe space for staff and students.
The symposium brought together students, staff, Ehlanzeni TVET, government partners, including representatives from the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Office of the status f Women (from the Premier’s office), GRIP, the National Lottery and the Commission for Gender Equality. The programme included:
- The GBV and the Pride March: A solidarity march across campus demonstrating collective commitment against GBV and celebrating diversity in sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression.
- Signing of the Anti-GBV and Anti-Homophobia Pledge Wall
- Anti-Homophobia short Film
- A Candle light session in Memory of those who were victims of GBV and Homophobia
- Presentations, panel discussions, on GBV prevention, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and best practices for creating safe academic environments.
- Student-led dialogues highlighting lived experiences of exclusion and resilience.
Giving a keynote speech at the symposium, was Her Royal Highness Princess Eurika Mogane, Commissioner for Gender Equality (CGE), who emphasised the pivotal role that universities play in shaping social values and advancing transformation. She said institutions of higher learning must move beyond policy to implement meaningful change that ensures safety and inclusivity for all.
“Universities are spaces where ideas are born and identities are shaped. We have a collective responsibility to ensure that these spaces do not become sites of fear or exclusion but rather sanctuaries of learning, growth, and respect,” said Princess Eurika.
She encouraged young people to use their voices and platforms to advocate for justice and equality, stressing that inclusivity begins with empathy and understanding.
The Commissioner commended UMP for its continued leadership in gender advocacy, noting that the theme Unity in Diversity was both timely and reflective of a broader societal need to embrace difference.
“Our diversity is our strength. When we celebrate what makes us different, we build a community that is stronger, more compassionate, and more united,” she said.
Speakers emphasised the values of respect, equality and non-discrimination in the fight against GBV.
Incoming Chairperson of the UMP Gender Forum, Dr Nokubonga Kwanda, said the theme Unity in Diversity was chosen to highlight the importance of acceptance and mutual respect.
“We wanted to raise awareness around issues of gender-based violence and homophobia, especially on campus. In South Africa, gender-based violence and femicide continue to be a scourge. We also see cases of corrective rape targeting those who are gender non-conforming or part of the LGBTQIA+ community,” she said.
Dr Kwanda emphasised that creating a safe and inclusive university is a shared responsibility that begins with changing mindsets.
“We chose this theme to remind ourselves that even though we may differ in terms of our sexuality, ethnicity, or religion, we must remain united.
Our differences are not meant to divide us; they make us human. If we want to see progress at UMP, we must first ensure unity,” she said.
As part of the event, members of the university community signed a pledge committing to uphold the values of respect, equality, and non-discrimination. The symbolic gesture reaffirmed UMP’s stance against violence, exclusion, and discrimination, and its dedication to building a campus where everyone feels valued and protected.
Dr Maqubela said expected outcomes include greater awareness and dialogue on GBV and LGBTQIA+ issues within the UMP community, a strengthened culture of unity and inclusivity among students and staff, and visible institutional commitment to diversity and transformation through both symbolic and practical actions.
“We want to increase public awareness on the importance of safe, inclusive spaces, while creating sustainable, community-led safe spaces where all individuals feel protected and respected,” she said.
The University of Mpumalanga remains committed to enhancing stakeholder collaboration to promote equality, reduce stigma, and foster social cohesion across all sectors of its community.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creative Cinema. Copyright © UMP