VUT champions GBV prevention by unveiling an app to help safeguard students from the scourge
06 September 2024 | STORY Tayron Mhlongo. PHOTO Peter Masela.
In a landmark move, on 30 August 2024, the Victim Empowerment Centre (VEC) at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) under the Management of Ms. Faith Mocoancoeng has unveiled to the students the Kwanele GBV Safety App, setting a powerful model in the battle against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This groundbreaking initiative marks a new era in the university’s commitment to protecting and empowering vulnerable communities, reinforcing VUT’s role as a leader in social justice and advocacy.
The App, which is a brainchild of GRIT South Africa, an accredited NGO dedicated to supporting victims of GBV, is aimed at giving women a voice to report incidents of GBV. It will soon be rebranded as Gender Rights in Tech (GRIT), following a partnership with an armed response team to provide a quick and reliable solution for those in need.
The app features emergency capabilities, enabling users to request immediate help in life-threatening situations by tracking their location and dispatching assistance swiftly. Additionally, GRIT offers secure storage for evidence such as photos and documents for up to 10 years, which can be crucial when deciding to press charges. Even if a perpetrator attempts to delete this evidence, GRIT’s secure system can retrieve it, ensuring that justice can be pursued effectively.
During the event, the presentation by two representatives from GRIT, provided an in-depth look at the app’s capabilities. Students were given the opportunity to test the app themselves, which not only showcased its user-friendly interface but also reinforced its effectiveness and efficiency in real-world scenarios. The hands-on experience offered a compelling demonstration of how the app operates swiftly and reliably in critical situations.
Attendees were not only informed about the Kwanele GBV Safety App’s features but were also urged to take on the responsibility of spreading awareness. By notifying their friends and families through word of mouth or digital means, they could help ensure that more people are equipped with this vital safety tool and utilise it in times of need.
The impactful presence of the Department of Community Safety, Protection Service, Institutional HIV and AIDS Unit (IHAU), Community Engagement Department, and Social Crime Prevention added a powerful layer of solidarity to the event, emphasizing the shared responsibility in the fight against crime and violence.
The event aimed to raise awareness about GBV and femicide and emphasized that abuse extends beyond physical violence. Speakers delved into the various forms of abuse, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional, psychological, and financial aspects that people may fall victim to.
Take note:
To start using the app, anyone can download it from the Google Play Store for Android devices or the App Store for iOS devices. The app only requires WI-FI or data for the initial download. Once installed, you will receive a free subscription code that allows you to create an account. Follow the prompts to enter all the required details, and you will be ready to use the app without any charges.
The App can even locate a vulnerable person and send SAPS/Ambulance for rescue in case of need.