On 13 February, Duke Rasebopye, a member of the Transformation Office at UP, led a vital discussion for second-year EBIT students enrolled in the compulsory Joint Community Project (JCP) module. The session delved into the pressing issue of sexual harassment, covering topics such as understanding sexual interactions and consent, and recognising signals. With a general societal concern about sexual harassment, Rasebopye emphasised the importance of such conversations.
PDBY conducted an interview with Rasebopye in which he highlighted the importance of recognising the distinction between sexual harassment and sexual assault, as many people often confuse the two. He explained that sexual harassment encompasses unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual and unwanted nature. On the other hand, sexual assault involves any non-consensual sexual contact or activity.
Regarding the role of the Transformation Office, when someone has been harassed or assaulted, Rasebopye explained, “There is an anti-discrimination policy that covers harassment, which applies to both staff and students, and generally anyone who enters the university space.” He elaborated on how the office engages with external stakeholders to ensure a safe environment for UP students, even in off-campus settings.
When asked about the monitoring of incidents related to sexual harassment, Rasebopye described how students’ reports usually trigger interventions from the Transformation Office. Matters concerning unfair discrimination, harassment, bullying, hate speech, violence or retaliation are brought to the office for resolution. Additionally, students can directly report incidents to the office for prompt action.
Reflecting on prevalent issues within student culture, Rasebopye identified sexual harassment as a recurring concern, emphasising the importance of understanding its broad scope. He highlighted the vulnerability of first-year students and underscored the need for support mechanisms and educational initiatives to address their needs.
Regarding supportive measures for students after an instance of sexual harassment, Rasebopye outlined various avenues for assistance. These include referral to UP’s Student Counselling Unit, engagement with faculty student advisors (FSAs) for academic support after such an occurrence, collaboration with security services for protection orders or police involvement, as well as access to Thuthuzela care centres for comprehensive support, especially in cases of rape.
In conclusion, Rasebopye highlighted the commitment of the Transformation Office to provide the comprehensive support and assistance to members of the UP community affected by sexual harassment or assault or any other kinds of discrimination. Furthermore, he encourages students to partake in the upcoming Sexual Assault Awareness Week, which is hosted annually on campus in April. By fostering awareness, providing resources and implementing robust support systems, UP aims to create a safer environment for all.
If you or anyone you know are dealing with an issue that requires external support, feel free to contact the Transformation Office at transformationoffice@up.ac.za or Whatsapp them at 012 420 8404.
UP crisis line: 0800 006 428
