About Us

The events and responses arising from two critical Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) cases on the NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus in 2022, exposed severe institutional gaps in support mechanisms for survivors and perpertrators. A team of experts made up of colleagues from SJS, School of Pyscho-Socio Health, Stakeholder Relationships, student leaders and the DVC’s office, explored how these gaps catalyzed a multi-stakeholder initiative involving internal departments and external partners such as the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, Sonke Gender Justice, and Higher Health. They further outlined efforts to benchmark best practices nationally and internationally, culminating in a proposal to establish a Centre of Excellence -GBVF on the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

The COE launched on the 4 February 2024, with following various occurrences at the VC by students and staff and thereafter  submissions from various committees both externally and internally which was led by SJS-VC, Faculties and DVC’s office situated at the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Strategic Importance

This Centre supports the national GBVF response framework and aligns with the objectives of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF (NSP-GBVF). It further contributes to the NWU’s Vision 2030 of being a values-driven, student-centered institution of global repute.

Core Functions

1. Survivor-Centered Support Services:

  • Safe reporting and case management spaces.
  • Trauma-informed counselling and psychosocial support services.

2. Capacity Building & Training:

  • Programmes for staff, SCC/SRC members, student leaders, and service providers.
  • Short courses, workshops, and training aligned to national priorities.

3. Community & International Engagement:

  • Partnership programmes with Sonke Gender Justice, Gauteng Premiers Office,  Gauteng Department of Community Saftey (GDCS), Guateng Southern Corridor, Ubuntu Evolution Hub – Sebokeng , SE8 Home Owners Association, Schools, NGOs, SAPS, CPF, NACOSA, Higher Health.
  • Collaboration with University College Dublin (UCD) to launch UNI a platform that brings together international universities and GBVF-focused organisations.

4. Research & Knowledge Production:

  • Multi and trans disciplinary academic research on GBVF, student safety, and intersectional vulnerabilities
  • Publication of policy briefs, journals, and academic contributions.

5. Advocacy & Policy Engagement:

  • Contribute to institutional, provincial, and national GBVF policy frameworks.
  • Monitor and evaluate GBVF-related interventions across campuses and communities.