UNIVEN and CSPS Unite to Tackle GBV on Campus

On 15 September 2025, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) partnered with the Civil Secretariat for Police Service (CSPS) for a strategic engagement at the UNIVEN Student Parliament, focusing on combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and improving campus safety. This event followed the recent tragic incident involving a UNIVEN student, Vhulondo Nevhukalanga who was allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend at one of UNIVEN-off campus accredited student residences. The gathering brought together university officials, law enforcement representatives, student leaders and civil society to discuss legislative frameworks, support mechanisms for survivors and collaborative approaches to creating a safer academic environment.
Mrs Uanda Ndou, UNIVEN Director of Human Resources, welcomed attendees to the event, urging them to actively participate in addressing the critical issue of Gender-Based Violence. She set the tone for a meaningful discussion and collaboration towards creating a safer university environment.

When talking about the purpose of the day, Mr Benjamin Ntuli, Chief Director of Intersectoral Coordination and Partnerships, noted that 9.9% of women aged 18 and above have experi-enced sexual abuse and proposed a buddy system among students and dedicated personnel to handle GBV cases. While Mr Madimetja Dolo, Civilian Secretariat for Police Service director of Community Outreach Programme, discussed the challenge of Gender-Based Violence in South African communities, including university campuses highlighted the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, including universities, police, and student communities, to address GBV.

Ms Tshilidzi Makhado, Manager: Investigation and Liaison Officer at UNIVEN, discussed challeng-es in reporting GBV cases on campus, encouraging students to report any violation and seek help. Mr Tsundzuka Hakamela, an ambassador of GBV at UNIVEN, highlighted the severity of GBV in South Africa, citing statistics such as 51% of women experiencing GBV and emphasised UNIVEN’s zero-tolerance policy and efforts to support survivors.
Colonel Baratang Maja from SAPS Limpopo discussed the severity of GBV, calling for collective action to find preventative solutions and to support survivors. “We cannot come every time and talk about the statistics, let us stand up and do something against human rights violence,” she said. Ms Keila Vilankulu, a Student Counsellor at UNIVEN’s Disability Student Unit, highlighted challenges faced by GBV survivors, including fear and stigma, and advised students to “walk away” from red flag situations.
Mr Vusi Mokoena, the UNIVEN SRC President facilitated an open discussion on GBV with UNIVEN students. He shared a scenario where a student reported a case of rape, but the circumstances suggested that the accusation might be motivated by jealousy rather than actual non-consensu-al sex. Mokoena encouraged students to share their thoughts and opinions on the matter, ask-ing them to consider whether the situation constituted rape or not. The discussion highlighted the complexities of GBV cases and the need for careful consideration and investigation. Students participated in the discussion, sharing their perspectives and insights on the issue.

Mr Takalani Ramaru, Deputy Director-General: CSPS called on the University community to utilise its influence and research capacity to address GBV, encouraging students and academics to be-come ambassadors for GBV awareness and conduct research to identify root causes. He urged victims to report cases and seek assistance.

Mr Ndivhuwo Goliada, Manager: Student Governance at the University of Venda, expressed his appreciation to the speakers and students who attended the event, thanking them for their par-ticipation. He said that he looks forward to continued collaboration and action towards creating a safer and more supportive University environment.

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