Sex for Accommodation, Harassment, and Hate Crimes
A recent study by the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has uncovered disturbing patterns of sexual harassment, hate crimes, and sex for accommodation on South African university campuses. The research, conducted at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), North-West University (NWU), and Sol Plaatje University (SPU), sheds light on systemic issues that exacerbate the vulnerability of students, particularly those from marginalized groups.
Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Power
At NMU, student leaders, particularly from the Student Representative Council (SRC), were reported to demand sexual favors from first-year students in exchange for on-campus accommodation. The study revealed that these leaders were given control over allocating rooms, which enabled them to engage in quid pro quo transactions.
In addition, LGBTQIA+ students at NMU shared accounts of harassment, including verbal and physical abuse, rape, and stigmatization. Security personnel often dismissed complaints from lesbian students, claiming that “both are girls and why would they fight.” This highlights systemic bias and a lack of adequate support mechanisms for queer students.
Survival Sex Among Students
At NWU, financial hardships forced some students to turn to sex work to meet basic needs. Power dynamics between students and SRC members also contributed to the prevalence of sexual harassment, with perpetrators using their influence to victimize vulnerable students. Common cases included rape, intimate partner violence (IPV), and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV).
The study also uncovered a peculiar phenomenon referred to as “marriage internships,” where students cohabiting in campus residences experienced gender power dynamics resembling those in adult relationships. These relationships often involved violence and exploitation.
Challenges in Addressing Sexual Harassment
The CGE report pointed to significant shortcomings in university systems for handling sexual harassment:
- Weak Investigations: Poor investigative skills among university staff often resulted in inadequate evidence, weakening victims’ cases.
- Delayed Justice: In some instances, alleged perpetrators were allowed to complete exams before being charged, which was perceived as protection for the accused.
- Underreporting: Many students refrained from reporting incidents due to fear of victimization, lack of trust in the system, and bullying.
At SPU, the absence of a direct policy detailing steps for reporting harassment was a significant concern. The university’s focus on maintaining a “perfect image” often led to cases being “swept under the carpet.”
Substance Abuse and Its Role
Substance abuse emerged as a contributing factor to GBV, particularly towards the end of the month when incidents of harassment surged due to increased alcohol consumption.
Calls for Reform
The CGE study underscores the urgent need for universities to adopt comprehensive measures to address sexual harassment and hate crimes:
- Policy Development: Institutions must create and enforce policies that provide clear reporting procedures and protect complainants from victimization.
- Capacity Building: Additional resources, such as trained investigators and gender experts, are essential to ensure efficient handling of cases.
- Awareness Campaigns: Educating students and staff about sexual harassment and its consequences is vital to fostering a culture of accountability.
- Support Services: Universities should expand wellness programs and provide specialized support for survivors of GBV.
The findings of the CGE study highlight a crisis in South African higher education, where systemic failures allow sexual harassment and hate crimes to persist. Addressing these issues requires collective action from university authorities, policymakers, and civil society to ensure campuses are safe and inclusive for all students.
By exposing these realities, the CGE has taken a critical step toward advocating for accountability and change.
