Students have reported being coerced into exchanging sexual favors for marks and accommodation, among other forms of abuse.  

The institutions investigated include Sol Plaatje University in the Northern Cape, Nelson Mandela University in the Eastern Cape, and North-West University. According to CGE Spokesperson Javu Baloyi, these cases highlight the widespread misuse of power in higher education settings.  

“We found that accommodation is being given on the basis that someone is earmarked for future sexual exchanges,” said Baloyi. He added, “Imagine being a new student and knowing that refusing these advances could mean losing your place to live. This kind of exploitation creates significant psychological and emotional distress.”  

The CGE has engaged with institutions of higher learning on gender transformation since 2012, but issues of sexual harassment and gender-based violence (GBV) persist. The investigation examined relationships between lecturers and students, peer-to-peer abuse, and even cases involving external community members associated with universities.  

The Commission also flagged "sex-for-marks" and "sex-for-accommodation" as particularly troubling trends. Baloyi emphasized, “These practices not only constitute GBV but also represent gross abuse of power.”  

While CGE did not quantify the number of cases, it confirmed that these incidents are rife. Baloyi noted that students often refrain from reporting due to fear of retaliation, bullying, or a lack of trust in the system. He referenced a Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) study indicating that many women do not report abuse because they believe "nothing gets done."  

Universities acknowledged the existence of these issues and are taking steps to address them. Measures include strengthening gender units, creating toll-free numbers for anonymous reporting, and collaborating with local communities and the CGE. Dedicated police officers will also be assigned to handle GBV cases at some universities.  

“Workshops and engagements with senior management and students are planned to foster a culture of transparency and accountability,” said Baloyi. “Policies like those at some institutions, where relationships between lecturers and students must be reported, need to be implemented effectively.”  

The CGE is pushing for stricter enforcement of policies and increased psychosocial support for students. Baloyi stressed that universities must ensure students' safety. “We want parents to feel confident that their children will return home with degrees, not in body bags,” he said.  

--ChannelAfrica--