SRC Linked to Sexual Misconduct at Universities - Report
Sexual harassment and misconduct continue to plague South Africa’s tertiary institutions, as revealed in a recent report by the Commission for Gender Equality. It highlights the lack of robust policies and effective measures to address these issues, leaving many students vulnerable to abuse.
The report, which surveyed 24 universities, revealed that sexual misconduct is often perpetrated by members of the Student Representative Council (SRC) against first-year students. It further highlighted instances where SRC members abuse their power by demanding sexual favours, in exchange for help with accommodation or placement.
The commission’s report also uncovered a troubling trend of "sex for marks" and physical abuse in universities. This was confirmed by a second SRC leader, who stated that there is an abuse of power, especially targeting first-year students who seek assistance at the start of the academic year.
“When you get help from a comrade, you must give them something. When they offer and then you say no, and you tell your comrades – they’re like you’re done!”
The commission’s spokesperson, Javu Baloyi, stated that students from the LGBTQIA+ community also become victims of such acts, as their complaints are often ignored. He says not knowing proper reporting structures, contributed to the prevalence of sexual harassment in their institution.
“Heterosexual security personnel do not take same-sex relationship cases seriously, with the belief that people in same-sex relationships could not harass each other,” Baloyi added.
The report recommends the tightening of policies which at times were non-existent.
“To effectively respond to both primary and secondary prevention, institutions must adopt a victim-survivor centered approach,” Baloyi said. “This approach does not discount the need to intervene with the respondents, but centres around the complainants. Institutional responses to sexual harassment do not follow criminal case procedures.”
The statement concluded by emphasizing that universities have a responsibility to fulfill their basic duty of providing a safe environment for all students. It called on management to foster a culture that supports students and ensures a violence-free campus.
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