{"id":36149,"date":"2026-05-05T10:20:23","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T10:20:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=36149"},"modified":"2026-05-05T10:20:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T10:20:24","slug":"vut-leads-united-stand-against-gbvf-and-human-trafficking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/en_gb\/vut-leads-united-stand-against-gbvf-and-human-trafficking\/","title":{"rendered":"VUT leads united stand against GBVF and human trafficking"},"content":{"rendered":"

“Students, community, SAPS, and leaders unite in a walk from Bedworthpark Shopping Centre to VUT, raising awareness on GBVF, trafficking, and crime.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

04 May 2026 | Story by: Siphiwe Sadiki | Picture: Keitumetsi Mokgope<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Students,<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On 29 April 2026, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), in partnership with the Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) and the Gender Based Violence and Femicide Rapid Response Task Team (RRTT), led a powerful campaign against Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), human trafficking, and crime.
The initiative brought together students, law enforcement agencies, government leadership, and the Bedworthpark community in a unified call for safer spaces and urgent intervention in a crisis that continues to affect young people across the region.
The awareness walk commenced at Bedworthpark Shopping Centre, where participants gathered carrying placards and candles, symbols of both resistance and remembrance. Led by the Ms Lerato Maloka Sedibeng Executive Mayor, , district commissioners, and VUT leadership, the march moved through Cassandra Street, drawing the attention and support of residents who joined in solidarity.
Upon arrival at the VUT amphitheatre, the tone shifted from protest to reflection. A solemn prayer and candle lighting ceremony, led by Pastor Esther Mvundla from the VUT Chaplaincy, created a deeply moving moment. The flickering lights stood as a quiet tribute to lives lost and a stark reminder of the urgency for change.
A significant milestone of the programme followed with the formal handover of a memorandum by the Student Representative Council (SRC) Legal and Constitutional Affairs portfolio. Presented by former and current SRC Legal Officer Ms Ndzalama Baloyi, who also served as programme director alongside Ms Kholiwe Maduna, the memorandum carried the collective voice of students demanding decisive and immediate action against GBVF and crime on and around campus.
Mr Peter Kele, Chairperson of the Sedibeng District GBVF RRTT, officially welcomed guests, setting the tone for a programme that balanced emotional reflection with critical engagement.
One of the most compelling contributions came from Dr David Molapo, motivational speaker and founder of the I Can Leadership Institute Africa. Speaking with unfiltered honesty about his past, including years spent in prison, he reminded attendees that \u201cone\u2019s past does not define one\u2019s future.\u201d His guiding principles, forgive yourself and others, dare to dream, show determination, remain disciplined, and make a difference, resonated deeply with the audience.
Adding a sobering perspective, Mr Tebogo Motloenya from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development presented alarming statistics on GBVF and human trafficking. He challenged the audience directly, stating, \u201cThis is not just a government problem, it is your fight too,\u201d urging students to move beyond awareness and become active participants in finding solutions.
The emotional intensity of the programme was further heightened by a dramatic performance from VUT Creative Arts students. Their portrayal of GBVF realities left the audience visibly shaken, reflecting the lived experiences of many.
Dr Gugulethu Xaba, Executive Director of Student Support Services at VUT, addressed the gathering with urgency and compassion. Referencing a recent incident involving a VUT student, she reassured those affected, stating, \u201cOur offices are open. If your case is not progressing, come to us; we will not let it be ignored,\u201d a message that was met with strong applause.
Collaboration across institutions was reinforced by Mr Ujeet Maharaj from North-West University (NWU), who emphasised collective responsibility, stating, \u201cWe are all affected. But together, we can overcome.\u201d
From the Department of Health, Chief Director Mr Siyabonga Jikwana encouraged victims to seek counselling and mental health support, reminding attendees that healing is as critical as justice.
A detailed crime briefing was delivered by SAPS Vanderbijlpark Station Commander, Brigadier Ndwandwe, who presented statistics from October 2025 to April 2026. His address underscored the severity of GBVF, sexual harassment, and robbery cases. He stressed the importance of accountability within the justice system, warning, \u201cJustice cannot be served if cases are withdrawn.\u201d
He further announced the deployment of dedicated task teams to patrol identified hotspots, including Bedworthpark and SE7, with increased visibility during early mornings and late evenings when students are most vulnerable.
During the engagement session, Mr Mushe Mapande, Chairperson of the Students Christian Organisation (SCO), challenged SAPS to act with urgency rather than procedural delay, reflecting the frustration and anxiety among students. In response, Brigadier Ndwandwe committed to urgently engaging his teams.
Ms Pamela Pule from Gauteng Community Safety reinforced the importance of unity, emphasising that communities must take responsibility for protecting one another and encouraging women to stand together against GBVF.
Delivering the keynote address, Gauteng Provincial Legislature Deputy Chair of Committees, Mr Thulane Kunene, spoke candidly about the devastating impact of GBVF and substance abuse. He called on students to take responsibility for their safety and committed to ensuring that the memorandum submitted would be followed through to drive accountability.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Ndade Mokoena, whose closing remarks reflected the collective emotion of the day, pain, reflection, and a renewed sense of determination.
This was more than an event. It was a declaration. A collective voice rising against violence, demanding justice, and reclaiming safety. Communities may be hurting, and students may be fearful, but together, they are choosing to confront the crisis and shape a different future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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