TUT Students and Kgosi Mampuru Residents Talk About Gender-Based Violence

The Gender-Based Violence and Femicide dialogue that students and student leaders conducted with residents of the Kgosi Mampuru II correctional facility was highly engaging. There are almost four thousand (4 000) residents at the Remand Detention Centre.

A poetry, drama, and music program, led by Charles Zwane, a resident of Kgosi Mampuru II, was organized by the Directorate of Student Affairs and Extracurricular Development of Tshwane University of Technology and facilitated by him. Students and residents discussed the topic of GBV/F through poetry, drama, music, and striving toward rehabilitation.

TUT Students and Kgosi Mampuru Residents Talk About Gender-Based Violence

Zwane said, “We will share any information you may need as we have people in prison who know crime practically and theoretically.”

There were four testimonials from residents. A fourth panelist discussed his accomplishments while incarcerated, emphasizing his academic achievements while he was facing charges. Each of these four inmates was charged with rape, and each expressed regret for what they had done.

Dr Annah Sefolosha, Director of Health and Wellness at TUT, said the relationship between the university and Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility began in 2015. The Student Representative Council and Peer Educators used to visit Kgosi Mampuru together.

In order to collaborate with Correctional Services, we realized there was a need for cooperation. “Our journey is aimed primarily at helping people regain their lives and prevent crime,” she said.

“Because GBV/F has been linked to crime, it is imperative we begin to engage with inmates who have been convicted of GBV/F and other crimes,” explained Dr Annah.

Deputy Security Manager Alfred Mokgatsane Baloyi said: “Reoffending and the impact of GBV programmes will be determined by risk assessment.”. Alfred believes that we should not focus solely on women as victims when we address GBV.

As Alfred explained, addressing such a situation is quite challenging because men and boys are generally taught that perseverance is key. You will have the chance to do so as other initiates arrive, so it’s something you must keep quiet about. There is a gang connection.”

The visit opened my eyes,’ said Sizwe Nyambi, Soshanguve SRC president. As a result, I have learned how important it is to abide by the Constitution and that everybody deserves a second chance. It is true that there are inmates who take their rehabilitation very seriously.

Even if the perpetrator is terrifying, victims shouldn’t shy away from speaking up. Victims’ silence gives perpetrators the belief that they are above the law, even though no one is above the law. The number of incidents of GBV/F is bound to go down when victims speak out.”

We should protect women instead of harming them. The students who suffer abuse would not be here if it wasn’t for them, so I urge them to be fearless and speak up about their experiences,” Sizwe said.