By Comfort Mamabolo
In a powerful celebration of diversity and inclusivity, the University of Limpopo’s Gender Desk partnered with the LGBTQIA+ community and the Men’s Association Against Violence (MAAV) to host a impactful Gender, Health, and Wellness Roadshow. Under the thought-provoking theme #AskMyPronoun, the event sought to champion the rights of LGBTQIA+ students, foster a culture of respect, and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all on campus.
UL GBV student’s roadshow. Photo by: Mohau Seleka
Social worker Nokuthula Ndou from the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) set the tone, urging unity and equality. “Stand united for the same cause,” she said, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and understanding.
Anna Mabina, a CSCD psychologist, challenged students to create safe spaces by speaking up about their challenges. “Knowledge about sexual orientation is key to promoting equality,” she stressed. Mahlodi Maphekela from the Health Centre highlighted the link between pronoun identity and violence, explaining that “asking someone’s pronoun before judgment shows compassion and respect.”
The roadshow shed light on the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ students, including discrimination and harassment. Lesedi Letwaba, UL Rainbow Chairperson, encouraged students to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and valued. MAAV ambassador Matlale Ngale added, “Justice is not selective let’s support services that promote inclusion.”
Students found the event eye-opening, with Chiloane Palesa describing it as “educative and impactful” and Sizile Ndhlovu noting that it strengthened inclusiveness. The roadshow concluded with a reminder about the importance of reporting incidents, with designated reporting points including the University of Limpopo Campus Control, Gender Desk Offices, Student Centre SRC Offices and the Old Administrative Offices.
Ndhlovu & Chiloane engaged in UL LGBTQIA+ students awareness. Photo by: Mohau Seleka
In a show of unity, the event featured prominent student leaders, including winners of the Mr. and Miss Fresher competitions, who expressed their support for the LGBTQIA+ community. As the roadshow came to a close, students left with a renewed sense of purpose, equipped to build a more inclusive and respectful campus environment for all.
UL health center representatives (Mabina and Maphakela), rainbow chairperson (Lesedi Letwaba), & students shares their thoughts on the roadshow. Photos by: Mohau Seleka
