Strengthening Queer-Inclusive Research and Partnerships in Higher Education: A Collaborative Engagement Between the University of Venda and the University of Fort Hare

On 28 July 2025, a transformation engagement meeting between the University of Venda (UNIVEN) and the University of Fort Hare (UFH) was held at UNIVEN’s Health Sciences Building Boardroom. The purpose of the engagement was for UFH to share their research findings on Breaking Barriers Towards Queer Inclusivity, a report exploring the experiences and perceptions of LGBTIQ+ inclusion at UFH. The session brought together students and student support personnel from both institutions with the aim of strengthening collaboration and sharing best practices on inclusive research focused on queer students in higher education.

This initiative forms part of the University of Venda’s (UNIVEN) wider commitment to equity, diversity, and the rights of all students, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+).
During his welcome address, Mr Victor Sigama warmly expressed gratitude to staff mem-bers from the University of Fort Hare and other honoured guests highlighting the shared identity of these institutions. Mr Sigama underlined the significance of the meet-ing as an opportunity to learn from one another, share best practices, and strength-en collaboration in areas including student support, research, and policy development.
He encouraged open engagement and active participation throughout the event, noting that benchmarking and partnership are essential for institution-al growth and transformation. Mr Sigama concluded by inviting visitors to enjoy the hospitality, make full use of the campus facilities, and benefit from the knowl-edge exchange to foster more inclusive and equitable academic environments.
Dr Bellita Banda began by expressing gratitude and stressing the importance of collabora-tion between the University of Fort Hare and institutions such as the University of Venda, par-ticularly around promoting queer inclusivity in higher education. She highlighted ongoing efforts at Fort Hare, including research, awareness programmes, and institutional involve-ment aimed at creating a supportive environment for queer students. She expressed that the day’s discussions would strengthen partnerships and advance diversity and inclusion.

In her keynote address, Dr Banda highlighted the challenges and opportunities relat-ed to queer inclusivity, noting University of Fort Hare’s historical significance and on-going struggles with patriarchy and exclusion. She referenced a COVID-era study on stu-dent attitudes towards queer identities, which saw limited participation due to fear of outing, religious stigma, and discomfort. The study used a mixed-methods approach and revealed a lack of safe spaces for queer and non-binary students. Dr Banda pre-sented this research as a starting point for reform, highlighting progress through cam-pus initiatives like Queer Indaba now form part of the university’s regular calendar.

One of the key components of the event was a panel discussion hosted by the Uni-versity of Fort Hare’s Queer Ambassadors and Gender Champions, during which four Queer Ambassadors presented research findings drawn from an in-depth study on queer student experiences at the Alice campus. These presentations provided crucial insights into the lived realities of LGBTQIA+ students, focusing on topics such as campus climate, safety, support systems, and institutional response mechanisms.
The discussions explored critical themes including student mental health, poli-cy gaps, societal and cultural stigma, and the responsibility of universities in advo-cating for social change through research and inclusive policymaking. The Universi-ty of Fort Hare shared its unique approach to queer student research, highlighting support models that have contributed to cultivating a more inclusive learning environment.
The second session, titled “Building Partnerships for Change”, showcased the evolv-ing collaboration between the University of Venda and the University of Fort Hare. Both institutions committed to strengthening engagement on inclusive re-search on queer student studies, laying the groundwork for joint projects, mutu-al learning platforms, and shared frameworks to support queer student wellbeing.
Simphiwe spoke on the university’s strengthened stance against gender-based violence. She detailed the work of the Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Gender Diversity Of-fice (GBVGD), established under the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, which provides wide-rang-ing services including psychosocial support, emergency housing, and a 24/7 reporting line.
With a strong student voice at its core, the office drives campaigns such as #GBVPre-ventionIsForPrisoners, #ReclaimingASafeUFH, and #KnowYourLimits. A 2024 study conducted by the office identified key GBV threats, including sexual harassment, in-timate partner violence, and cyber abuse, particularly affecting LGBTQIA+ students and first-years. Recommendations included engaging male students, combating harm-ful gender norms, and fostering supportive environments for vulnerable groups.
They agreed to pursue joint research initiatives, establish mutual learning plat-forms, and develop shared frameworks for supporting queer student well-being. This engagement laid a strong foundation for sustained partnerships aimed at building more inclusive, equitable, and socially responsive universities.
Ms Velencia Maupye, Head of Transformation at the University of Venda and chair of the meeting between the two universities, indicated that the research conducted by the Uni-versity of Fort Hare would serve as a strong foundation to strengthen transformation ef-forts at UNIVEN. She further elaborated that this research complements the ongoing work of the Transformation Office, which includes the establishment of the Gender Desk, advo-cacy around gender-based violence (GBV), and engagement with key internal stakeholders.
Ms Maupye also acknowledged the transformation programmes shared by UFH during the engagement, recognising the value of learning from their experiences and approach-es. She emphasised that transformation is an ongoing process advancing one step at a time. While inclusivity is often preached in principle, she noted that practical implemen-tation sometimes falls short, underscoring the importance of deliberate, effective actions to ensure genuine and sustainable transformation within higher education institutions.
Mr Andisani Mathelemusa expressed sincere appreciation to all delegates, rein-forcing the value of cross-institutional partnerships, especially among historical-ly disadvantaged universities. He shared practical examples of how benchmark-ing exercises have promoted institutional growth, academic mobility, and improved governance. Despite its rural location, he affirmed that the University of Venda competes favour-ably with top institutions across the country, offering quality infrastructure and student services.

Mr Mathelemusa encouraged attendees to consider UNIVEN a second home and to remain engaged beyond the event. He concluded by thanking the organising departments for their commitment and urged participants to continue cultivating inclusive, just, and academically empowering spaces for all students.
The transformation engagement between the University of Venda and the University of Fort Hare marked a significant step towards fostering queer-inclusive research and stu-dent support within higher education. The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ students, the gaps in institutional policies, and the vital role of universities in driv-ing inclusive transformation. Both institutions affirmed the need for safe, supportive envi-ronments where all students can thrive regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811