The North-West University has congratulated Dr Lebogang Mathibe Ramalepe, a senior psychology lecturer and public health researcher at its Vanderbijlpark Campus, on her appointment as chairperson of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment of the council members on July 31, for a three-year term running from August 1 to July 31, 2029, under the National Council on Gender-Based Violence Act of 2024.

The statutory body is mandated to provide strategic leadership in eliminating gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa and co-ordinating a multi-sectoral approach to implementing the National Strategic Plan across all levels of government and communities.

Alongside appointing the seven council members, Ramaphosa designated Dr Mathibe as chairperson and Ms Welheminah R Tshabalala as deputy chairperson.

Dr Ramalepe is an accomplished public health researcher whose work focuses on LGBTI+ and sexual and gender minority health, mental health, substance use, gender-based violence, HIV among key populations, and sexual and reproductive health.

Her academic portfolio includes a PhD in Psychology from the University of Johannesburg, a Master of Arts in Psychology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Gender and Sexuality from the University of Amsterdam, a Postgraduate Diploma in HIV Management from Stellenbosch University, an Honours degree from the University of South Africa, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Limpopo.

As the council assumes office at the start of Women’s Month, Ramaphosa stated that it is expected to leverage the classification of gender-based violence as a national disaster to challenge harmful practices, advance women’s economic empowerment, strengthen law enforcement, and scale up survivor-centred support.

The NWU principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka, welcomed the appointment as a proud moment for the university.

“As the NWU, we are immensely proud that one of our academics has been entrusted with leading a national body tasked with addressing one of the most pressing societal challenges in South Africa. This appointment reflects the calibre of expertise in our university and reinforces the commitment of the NWU to producing knowledge and leaders who contribute meaningfully to society.”

Professor Tyobeka expressed full confidence that her extensive academic credentials and research on marginalised communities position her well to lead the national response and guide the council in strengthening collaboration to build safer communities.