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Digital technologies have transformed how people communicate, learn, and engage with one another, but these same technologies have created new spaces for harm, and this is why the University of the Western Cape (UWC) is actively intensifying efforts to address gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in online environments.

On 1 September 2026, UWC’s Gender Equity Unit (GEU) launched its End GBVF 100-Day Challenge, a campaign that seeks to mobilise students, staff and stakeholders to take measurable action against gender-based violence. The initiative focuses specifically on technology-facilitated GBV and cyberbullying, while promoting digital safety, awareness and collective responsibility.

Speaking at the launch, Acting Director of the Gender Equity Unit, Cherith Sanger, stressed the importance of recognising cyberbullying as a form of gender-based violence: “South Africa continues to experience unacceptably high levels of GBV. Cyberbullying must be recognised as a contemporary form of GBV, particularly because technology and online platforms have become central to everyday life.”

A key feature of the event was the presentation of findings from a GEU survey on cyberbullying within the university community. The survey found that more than half of respondents identified hate speech, harassment and rumour-spreading as the most common forms of cyberbullying experienced. An overwhelming majority also called for the implementation of a strict anti-bullying policy, identifying it as the most urgent intervention required by the institution.

Image: Supplied

Sanger told the audience that cyberbullying, like many forms of non-physical violence, often remains hidden despite its serious and long-lasting effects: “The research will provide insight into the experiences of students and staff within the institution and generate knowledge that can inform responses to cyberbullying both within the higher education sector and more broadly.”

She emphasised that the 100-Day Challenge should serve as a catalyst for sustained action rather than a time-bound campaign. “We hope the university community will use this project as an opportunity to share knowledge and contribute to setting an agenda for the prevention and eradication of cyberbullying, not only during the 100-Day Challenge or the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, but every day,” said Sanger.

She also called on students and staff to take these conversations beyond the University and into families, communities, faith-based organisations and other social spaces, highlighting the importance of collective action in creating safer and more equitable environments.

The launch included a critical address by researcher Maria van Staden, who situated GBVF within South Africa's broader history of institutionalised violence and structural exclusion. Her presentation traced the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP GBVF) since its adoption in 2020, highlighting both achievements and continuing implementation challenges identified in the recently completed five-year review.

She noted that research can not stand apart from advocacy and that findings on cyberbullying and digital gender-based harm are only meaningful when they are translated into practical, coordinated responses across the institution.

To participate in the campaign, please click below.

Cyberbullying Questionnaire  
Participant Interest Form

Zadock Mugri, research assistant and team leader for this 100 Day Challenge, presented the Implementation Action Plan for the Cyberbullying Research Project.

Until 9 December 2026, the challenge seeks to increase the Cyberbullying Research questionnaire response rate from 0.1% (the Pilot) to 10% (the targeted population) for an in-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis that will guide institutional policies, frameworks and best practices around cyberbullying and ensuring a sense of belonging and safety in the digital space among students and staff.

Within this 100 Day period, the GEU will be involved in media activation campaigns, student and staff participation, and QR Code distribution to strengthen engagement, statistical power, representation and institutional impact on factors contributing to cyberbullying, and to establish pathways for prevention.

“Our digital spaces must reflect our campus community values. Cyberbullying is not just online drama; it is a digital extension of gender-based violence. Therefore, over these 100 days, let’s stand united at UWC to block the hate, report the harm, and reclaim our digital safety,” said Abulele Mapukata, Programmes Officer.