The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation released the Policy Framework to address Gender-Based Violence in the Post School Education and Training System (PSET) after a period of intensive consultation.
The Policy Framework was published on 31 July 2020 on the eve of Women’s Month in August.
This policy framework is in line with government’s initiatives aimed at combating the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) pandemic and challenging patriarchal practices in South African society.
Through this Policy Framework the Department of Higher Education and Training aims to create an enabling environment for the eradication of GBV and instil respect, protection, promotion and fulfilment of human rights as enshrined in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
“The Policy Framework compels PSET institutions to both create awareness of GBV policies and prevent incidents of GBV; as well as to assist PSET institutions to address the occurrence of GBV. It also provides a monitoring instrument to the Department to assess the implementation of the Policy Framework,” said Minister Nzimande.
Minister Nzimande said that this significant development illustrates the commitment of the Department of Higher Education and Training to build an inclusive and diversified post-school school education and training (PSET) system where all citizens have equal access to quality post-school education and training opportunities, and in a safe environment.
This Policy Framework specifically serves as a guide to Post-School Education and Training (PSET) institutions to address all forms of GBV in PSET institutions.
“The policy fosters co-operation between PSET institutions and the Department through creating a enabling environment and enables the Department to monitor and evaluate its implementation. Systematic reporting as well as monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are critical as they continuously improve the reliability of data and the quality of future intervention strategies,” emphasised the Minister.
PSET institutions are urged, through this Policy Framework, to work more closely with government departments and organisations such as the South African Police Services (SAPS), as well as local communities in ensuring that proper protocols in GBV cases are observed and implemented. This will create conditions for successful prosecution of perpetrators as well as the protection of victims of GBV.
The Department will also work with civil society organisations and Chapter 9 institutions in the areas of gender and human rights to ensure that the struggle to combat GBV is understood and internalised by all constituencies forming the PSET System. That is why advocacy has been identified as one of the central pillars of this policy framework.
“We urge all stakeholders of the PSET system to work together with the PSET institutions and the Department to prevent, address and advocate against GBV in the PSET system. Let us be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers and look after each other because we cannot win this battle alone,” emphasised the Minister.
Minister Nzimande wishes to thank HIGHER HEALTH for its contribution in the development of this policy as well as the cooperation from all our institutions and stakeholders, including other government departments and donor partners.
The Minister also acknowledge the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Women, which have, in addition to technical guidance and support, provided financial support to the development and consultation of the Policy Framework.
Furthermore, the Minister further wishes to thank all other individuals, organisations and institutions that have contributed to the development of this policy framework.
Enquiries:
Ishmael Mnisi
Cell: 066 037 8859
