On 23 October 2025, a spirited crowd of students, academics, healthcare professionals, and community members came together for the Ubuntu Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Awareness Walkathon, marching from HW Snyman Sports Ground, around the Faculty of Health Sciences campus, and back. The atmosphere was filled with singing, chants, and colourful placards, as participants called for unity and collective action against GBV in higher education and beyond. The walkathon culminated in the signing of the pledge, a symbolic commitment by all attendees to stand united against gender-based violence. The energy, determination, and sense of solidarity set the tone for a day dedicated to raising awareness, inspiring change, and standing together against violence.

The walkathon was a culmination of the Ubuntu GBV Awareness Campaign in Higher Education, hosted by the University of Pretoria’s Department of Nursing Science under the Ubuntu Community Model in Nursing. The campaign was a collaborative initiative with partners including the University of Venda, North-West University (African Campus), University of Limpopo, Shout-It-Now, the Clinical Forensic Department, Thuthuzela Care Centre, University of Pretoria’s transformation office, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Professor Flavia Senkubuge, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at UP, welcomed participants at the march, saying: “It is a heartfelt honour for me to welcome you all to the fourth and penultimate day of the Ubuntu Gender-Based Violence Awareness event. This event is a living testament to our shared humanity, to the power of unity, and to the spirit of Ubuntu that guides everything we do. Together, we will end digital violence”.

The campaign, which ran from 20 to 24 October 2025, featured a digital launch, hybrid online seminars, and creative showcases exploring contemporary issues related to online dating and their impact on GBV. Students and staff engaged through webinars, poetry, music, drama, and visual arts, using their creativity to inspire change and stand in solidarity with survivors.

Professor Fhumulani Mavis Mulaudzi, who has championed the campaign as the leader of the Ubuntu Community Model, explained the philosophy behind the initiative: “I am, because we are. United to end digital violence against all women and girls in higher education. Our individual well-being is a collective responsibility, and as an Ubuntu community, we will make digital spaces safe and empowering for everyone”.

Building on this message, Professor Mable Kekana, Chair of the School of Healthcare Sciences at UP, spoke to participants ahead of the walkathon, emphasising: “We are here to help and to provide guidance whenever you need it. In academia, exploitation and abuse of power can occur, but that is never right or acceptable. You are not alone, and your voice matters”.

After the walkathon, Thandeka Twala from Shout-It-Now shared her thoughts on the role of technology in supporting survivors. “Through our Gender-Based Violence Chatbot, users can access guidance, support services, and emergency contacts. This tool ensures that anyone affected by GBV has information at their fingertips, especially if they are unable or uncomfortable speaking one-on-one”.

Professor Rachel Tsakani Lebese from the University of Venda emphasised the importance of upholding the values and principles of Ubuntu as she described how the Ubuntu Community Model in Nursing can be used to ensure that together we create safe digital spaces. In her message, she said, “The Ubuntu principles from the model help us to engage in conversations that will enable us to reach consensus and stand united to end digital violence.”

The seriousness of the issue was further emphasized by Professor Thizwilondi Mudau from the University of Venda, who spoke to us about the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence. “Almost every hour, a woman is killed, or a girl is raped. Men and boys are also affected but often do not report due to stigma. Safe spaces must exist for everyone to speak out and receive support”.

From a healthcare perspective, Dr Tabea Motsilanyane from North-West University, Mafikeng campus, highlighted the broader role of the medical community in addressing GBV. “Our role extends beyond nurses; it involves the entire healthcare community, including the police and support services. We raise awareness, refer affected students to Thuthuzela Care Centres, and ensure their safety in residences and communities”.

The walkathon was a visible demonstration of the campaign’s ethos: solidarity, collective responsibility, and a shared commitment to end gender-based violence. Participants carried banners, wore campaign colours, and engaged in discussions throughout the route, reinforcing the message that GBV affects us all and action begins with awareness and education.

The Ubuntu GBV Awareness Campaign exemplifies how universities, communities, and healthcare professionals can work together to create safer, more inclusive spaces. As participants dispersed, there was a clear sense that the week’s activities – from digital seminars to artistic showcases – had strengthened networks, inspired action, and left a lasting impression on all involved.

"We are Ubuntu. We are one. Together, we will end digital violence," concluded Professor Mulaudzi, encapsulating the spirit of the campaign and its commitment to lasting social change.