Tshwane North College

By: Masibonge Somatyala

Tshwane North College (TNC) hosted a Gender based violence awareness event as an initiative to call upon all institutions in South Africa to treat women and children with respect. This initiative also included awareness about how the LGBQT+ because it is also one of the genders we have in the country. This event was held in TNC, Soshanguve South campus on the 15^th September 2023

The purpose was to draw the attention of the public including the institutions and the government to challenges that are faced by women, children and the LGBQT+ groups in the country so that there can be proper solution regarding those challenges. They face challenges of being abused physically, emotionally, spiritually and verbally as well because of being believed to be vulnerable in nature.

TNC students with “NO GBV” paintings in the GBV awareness event

Ms K Mthembu who is the SRC President of TNC said, “We held this event so that we can make the world aware of GBV and we also want all people to be treated with equality and respect they deserve despite their gender and I am glad that this event was a success, I believe it will make difference and contribute in the global quest to end GBV in the world.”

All speakers in the event called upon all students and people who attended the event to always report GBV cases and the LGBQT+ criticism because that is the first step to fight it after identifying it. They also pleaded with victims to go and seek counselling because it may have the negative psychological impact especially if the victims did not seek the professional help.

Ms Swazi Mbokani Addressing GBV in TNC
image by:Masibonge Somatyala

“You have to know that you are not alone in this all women are being abused and killed by perpetrators of GBV and the LGBQT+ group is always criticised that is why we need to break the silence and report it so we can be helped. It will be hard for Police department to help and protect you if you are silent. And if you do not report bear in mind that you are also risking the lives of other women”, said Ms Swazi Mbokani who was the guest speaker.  All people who attended the event learnt something new and developed positive perspective towards a quest to end GBV and respect LGBQT+ group. “I am glad this event was a success and I am proud of our SRC members because they are the ones who pushed the campus management to approve this event”, said Mr D Mahlangu who was the host of the event.

The event was the great success and people attended more than they were expected especially TNC students. The TNC SRC believes that if all institutions in South Africa can normalize hosting events like this the goal to eradicate GBV can be achieved in less than a decade