Center for Student Counseling & Development
Welcome to Stellenbosch University

About us

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Welcome to the website of the Equality Unit (EqU) at Stellenbosch University. We are based at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) within the Division of Student Affairs (DSAf).

If you are passionate about social justice equal rights and fair treatment of all, irrespective of one's race, HIV status, gender expression or sexual orientation, then you have come to the right place.

The EqU is responsible for the promotion of collective action towards social justice and discourse regarding social asymmetries at SU. We also coordinate, educate and raise awareness around sexualities, gender, HIV/Aids, sexual harassment and anti-discrimination in partnership with relevant campus structures.

We deliver this array of services and support to students, faculty and staff at SU. We have three overarching portfolios, namely:

  • Unfair Discrimination Portfolio (UDP)

This portfolio deals with all aspects of unfair discrimination, sexual harassment, harassment and victimisation. Anyone (staff or student) who experiences any form of discrimination or harassment at the university may report their complaint to us.

These services and complaint mechanisms are done in accordance with the SU Unfair Discrimination and Harassment Policy and other pieces of legislation of the country.

Discrimination may include but is not limited to racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, xenophobia or ableism. 

Sexual harassment may include Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation or sexuality; it is unwanted and may be experienced as an expression of power, authority or control of a sexual nature; it creates a hostile environment that prevents those concerned to learn or work to capacity.

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  • HIV/Aids  and Sexualities Portfolio (HSP)

The HSP remains one of our long-standing core functions of the EqU. The portfolio shares a passion for and a commitment to address HIV and Aids within Higher Education. The EqU oversees the implementation of the SU HIV/Aids Policy and drives various components of University's comprehensive institutional HIV response. Furthermore, the portfolio provides free HIV testing and counselling between Tuesday and Thursdays at Huis Simon Nkoli House from 13H00 – 16:00. We provide Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) support and services. The portfolio conducts LGBTQI-sensitisation services, offer counselling, conduct social and discussion groups and support efforts for a LGBTQI enabling, affirming, and welcoming environment at SU.

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  • Gender non-Violence Portfolio (GnVP)

The GnVP is the latest addition to the unit. Its formation follows the university's announcement that a gender non-violence response be setup, through which matters related to gender-based violence will be coordinated and monitored.

One of the primary responsibilities of this portfolio is to develop a comprehensive institutional response to gender violence and rape culture at SU. It is also responsible for the implementation of some of the recommendations of the #EndRapeCulture Report released in 2017.

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As a unit, we cannot overstate our excitement and pride over the renaming of our office to Huis Simon Nkoli House​,​ in honour of the late anti-apartheid student leader, gay rights lobbyist, equal rights proponent and HIV/Aids activist, Simon Nkoli. He resolutely fought unfair discrimination in all its forms.

We hope that you will use this site to familiarize yourself with the services we offer, the people responsible for delivering those services, our location on campus and how to get in touch with us. ​