VUT PR Students & Indibano INVEPRO unite to combat GBV at Bophelong Hall

In a collective effort to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) and empower victims, second-year Public Relations (PR) students from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and the Communication Experts group hosted an impactful event for the Bophelong community. Held at the Bophelong Hall, the event was in collaboration with Indibano INVEPRO, the Institutional HIV/AIDS Unit (IHAU) and the Student Support Services (SSS) department and formed part of the students’ curriculum requirements. It provided them with an opportunity to work closely with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) while contributing to an important social cause.

For sponsorships and donations, the event received generous support from Pick n Pay, the Embassy of Turkey in Pretoria, and 10 food parcels for the community in need, kindly donated by the manager of the VUT Stadium.

The event, themed “Building Men, Empowering Women,” aimed to address the systemic factors that perpetuate GBV in South African communities. It encouraged men to take an active role in the fight against violence, while providing women with a platform to share their experiences and empower themselves. The event also facilitated an open dialogue on the challenges of combating GBV and informed participants about available support services and resources.

One of the keynote speakers, Mr Bethuel Mokoena from the Gauteng Department of Social Development, delivered a powerful message to the audience, particularly to men, urging them to take responsibility in the fight against GBV. Mokoena stressed the importance of men as “responsible pro-creators and protectors,” highlighting the role men can play in preventing violence and supporting victims.

Mr Nhlapo, from Bontate ba Kopano Forum, also shared valuable insights, explaining the complex factors that frequently contribute to social issues such as GBV. “We solve many social cases, and in most of these cases, the primary contributing factor is stress,” Nhlapo explained. “Stress can stem from various reasons, such as growing up as an orphan, unfulfilled dreams, or feeling unable to achieve personal goals. Over time, this stress can manifest as anger, often rooted in jealousy, which can spiral into depression, creating a toxic cycle that affects individuals and those around them.”

The Indibano INVEPRO team used the event to showcase their essential services, offering support to victims of GBV and demonstrating the crucial role NGOs play in establishing safer communities. Other organisations present included PWID, SAPS, VFR, DSD, the Trauma Centre, and the Bontate ba Kopano Forum, all of which make significant contributions to addressing GBV and providing victim support.

The day was filled with educational and impactful discussions surrounding GBV, and the students worked tirelessly to ensure the event was not only informative but also welcoming. Attendees were provided with meals and refreshments to ensure everyone was comfortable and well taken care of. The students also prepared thoughtful gifts for the guest speakers and for Indibano, as a token of appreciation for their collaboration.

Reflecting on the success of the event, the students can be proud of their contribution to such an important cause. Their hard work not only helped raise awareness of GBV within the Bophelong community, but also provided valuable hands-on experience in public relations, preparing them for the challenges they will face as future PR professionals.