In a pioneering initiative, the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Community Engagement Unit has recently launched a project aimed at tackling the alarming rise of gender-based violence (GBV) against women, particularly in Johannesburg’s nightlife scene.
With South Africa bearing the grim title of the global rape capital, the need for proactive and sustainable solutions has never been more urgent. The project’s focus on nightlife establishments highlights the University’s commitment to safeguarding women in environments where they are most vulnerable.
Recent crime statistics paint a distressing picture: during the second quarter of 2023/24, 1,514 cases of attempted murder involving female victims were recorded, alongside 14,401 grievous bodily harm (GBH) incidents. These figures highlight the critical importance of addressing GBV in spaces where women often find themselves at risk—clubs, bars, and other nighttime venues.
In response, UJ recently hosted an event that brought together key stakeholders, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, nightlife venues, and e-hailing service providers, to collaboratively develop long-term strategies for combating GBV, date rape, human trafficking, and drink spiking in the nightlife economy around Johannesburg. “This initiative is a call to action to foster a culture of vigilance, responsibility, and safety within these environments,” said Ms Xitsakisi Fiona Mahlori, the Senior Manager for Community Engagement at UJ.
She stressed the importance of a collective approach: “By engaging all stakeholders, our initiative aims to ensure everyone, regardless of gender, feels safe and protected during nighttime activities. We are creating a framework where vigilance, proactive measures, and sensitive responses to GBV incidents become the norm, not the exception. The role of the nightlife economy and communities in tackling GVB is central to this community engagement project, which is dedicated to addressing GBV within nightlife settings. This initiative seeks to leverage the collective power of local nightlife establishments such as nightclubs, event agencies, regulatory bodies, advocacy organisations, and community stakeholders to create safer, more inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of gender can be themselves without fear of violence and that survivors of violence can receive the right support at the right time, without re-victimisation.“
The e-hailing industry, a crucial component of nightlife safety, has also stepped up. Ashif Black, Business Development Specialist for Africa at inDrive, highlighted the company’s commitment to the cause saying that safety in nightlife settings heavily relies on the e-hailing sector. “We are pleased to partner with UJ in this vital initiative to ensure women can enjoy their nights out without fear. We have also taken significant steps to enhance safety, including increasing the number of female drivers and offering passengers the option to choose a female driver. This provides women with economic opportunities and enhances their sense of security during nighttime rides. The company’s app features, such as adding trusted contacts and accessing an SOS button, further bolster safety measures.”
This UJ’s Community Engagement project represents a critical step forward in the fight against GBV, particularly in spaces where women are most vulnerable. By fostering collaboration and implementing tangible safety measures, the University is helping to create a safer, more just society for all.
The launch was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from community-based organisations, government departments, and businesses. Key attendees included Mr Nico Giwu from the Department of Social Development, Mrs Cleo Bodibe-Lushaba from the Gauteng Liquor Board, Kavya Swaminathan from the TEARS Foundation, Mr Ashif Black from e-hailing services, artist Thulani “Way” Maduse from the entertainment industry, and Ms Cathy Seaford from the UJ Community Engagement Advisory Board. University departments responsible for staff and student safety and wellness, such as Student Affairs, Protection Services, PsyCaD, and the Student Health and Wellness unit, were also present.
