Stellenbosch University (SU) made a presentation to the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) in Johannesburg on Wednesday (1 Nov 2017) regarding progress at the institution towards gender equality.
This stems from a request by the CGE, in line with its Constitutional mandate, as a Chapter 9 institution, “to promote the protection, development and attainment of gender equality". It is conducting a series of public investigative hearings into gender transformation at tertiary institutions.
“We are happy to collaborate with the Commission. SU respects the Constitution and the democratic oversight role performed by its institutions, such as the CGE," SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers, who led the delegation, said.
“As a public institution and a national asset, SU is committed to the imperative of gender transformation in search of gender equality. We believe we are making progress, though we acknowledge we are not where we want to be."
In its presentation, the University pointed out 54% of its students and 56% of its staff members are women. Dr Ronel Retief, Registrar of SU, said that female enrolment in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is above 75%, and in Economic and Management Sciences above 50%. In terms of qualifications achieved, female students are also in the majority. At undergraduate level the figure reached 56% last year, and at postgraduate level 55%. In addition, all 33 Maties Sport codes make provision for women, including football and rugby. And 56% of those living in University housing are women.
Staff numbers overall are positive in terms of gender equality, but the University acknowledged that women are underrepresented in the academic corps and also at senior levels, both academic and management.
The Commission picked up on this issue as well. “We all see the big elephant in the room – the preponderance of white males at the top. There must come a time when there are targeted interventions to bring equality to bear otherwise transformation is going to be hollow," CGE Commissioner Mr Wallace Mgoqi said.
The SU delegation provided information about various measure in place to address this challenge. This includes the SU Rector's Strategic Personnel Fund and the New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP) of the Department of Higher Education and Training. The past two years, 14 female staff members were appointed or promoted at SU in terms of these initiatives. And in 2016, the last remaining instances of inequality in the remuneration of men and women on comparable job levels were eliminated.
Dr Birgit Schreiber, Senior Director for Student Affairs, highlighted measures to address gender violence. She led a task team to End Rape Culture, which earlier this year concluded its investigation. All its recommendations were accepted by management. This includes monitoring, training of all students and staff, including management, as well as support to gender advocacy groups and individuals.
“Our journey of transformation is incomplete, but we remain resolute to walk the path of gender equality with our stakeholders," Prof Nico Koopman, Vice-Rector for Social Impact, Transformation and Personnel, said.
The Commission expressed its appreciation to the University for its participation in the process.
“Going forward, we are going to work with you. There might be things we can help with. Previous reports that we have done that you can learn from. We are building a relationship with institutions," Commissioner Ms Nomsisi Bata said.
PHOTO: Members of the SU delegation at the Gender Commission hearing in Braamfontein, from left, Dr Phumzile Mmope, Senior Director: Corporate Communication; Dr Birgit Schreiber, Senior Director: Student Affairs; Mr Gerhard Lipp, Director: Legal Services; Dr Ronel Retief, Registrar; Mr Sello Molapo, Manager: Employment Equity and Promotion of Diversity; Mr Victor Mothobi, Chief Director (Designate): Human Resources; Prof Nico Koopman, Vice-Rector: Social Impact, Transformation and Personnel; and Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor.
