As the country marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, Sol Plaatje University (SPU) stands with all of those who have experienced gender-based violence, sexual harassment or interpersonal harm. We are deeply mindful of the impact of such violence and extend our support to those affected.
Gender-based violence remains one of the most severe and persistent challenges in South Africa. Although the national campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December, SPU recognises that the responsibility to create safe, just and accountable spaces is not limited to this time period. We therefore make a continuous commitment to protect and support our university community throughout.
In this spirit, SPU participated in the Nationwide Women’s Shutdown Campaign on Friday, 21 November 2025. Despite a short notice request, our immediate consent to participation signalled the urgency with which we view gender-based violence and our recognition of its status as a national crisis.
SPU has long-standing processes and practices to respond to sexual harassment, gender-based violence and related misconduct. These include relevant policies and protocols operational at student and staff level. These frameworks guide how incidents are reported, individuals supported and issues resolved. The processes protect confidentiality, uphold due process and ensures that every case is approached with fairness and care.
As an educational institution, our approach is grounded in restorative justice and the possibility of rehabilitation. This means that accountability, transformation and healing remain at the centre of our decisions. We do not seek punitive measures for their own sake, but outcomes that protect survivors, uphold rights and support the dignity of our community. These principles reflect national justice standards and the values that define SPU.
Recent public discussions, including statements made before and by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, focused a spotlight on gender-based violence and institutional accountability at SPU.
Following extensive internal investigations, many of the allegations raised publicly were found to have been resolved in line with institutional policy. SPU adopted a measured and responsible communication approach which ensures that survivors are not retraumatised, that unverified claims do not cause harm, and that the University respond from a place of verified facts and institutional fairness. SPU can unequivocally state that no student accused of rape is currently or was ever employed as a student assistant.
Our commitment to safety is also reflected in the SPU-SAPS Campus Safety Desk, launched on our Central Campus in 2024 in partnership with the South African Police Service. The service has been operational since its launch and has as a focus the accessible reporting of incidences of Gender Based Violence (GBV). Because some members of our community may not be fully aware of its purpose and location, and to strengthen our support systems against GBV and all forms of crime, SPU will relaunch the Safety Desk and improve its visibility, accessibility and responsiveness.
No member of the SPU community should ever live in fear of violence. Gender-based violence breaks down trust, disrupts learning and undermines our shared values of dignity, respect, justice and care. As a university that carries the name of Solomon T. Plaatje, a leader who stood for integrity, human rights and justice, we understand that our responsibility is both institutional and deeply ethical.
SPU remains committed to continuous learning, open dialogue and actions that protect, support and restore. Our shared future demands nothing less. In the spirit of fairness, dignity and accountability, which guide every aspect of our academic and institutional life, SPU upholds a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence.
