University of Fort Hare Launches “Know Your Limit” Campaign to Tackle GBV and Substance Abuse
Agreement Mkhari 
Article by Joyce Dube
The University of Fort Hare’s Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Gender Diversity (GBVGD) Office launched a powerful campaign titled “Know Your Limit” on April 8, 2025. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the connection between substance abuse and incidents of gender-based violence (GBV).
The launch event took place at the Alice campus sports complex in the Eastern Cape and was attended by key stakeholders including representatives from the South African Police Service (SAPS), tavern owners, and the Eastern Cape Liquor Board.
Ms. Nonhlanhla Sibanda Moyo, Director of the GBVGD Office, highlighted the growing concern around the role of alcohol in GBV cases reported at the university. “We started noticing that most of the cases reported to our office involved alcohol or other substances. Substance abuse has proven to be one of the major contributing factors to gender-based violence. That’s what sparked the idea behind this campaign,” she said.
Ms. Robyn Croep, GBVGD Administrator, further explained, “Know Your Limit is a student-focused campaign created to raise awareness and educate both the university community and surrounding areas. Our goal is to foster meaningful dialogue around GBV and substance abuse. This is particularly important for us as a university because we recognize that substance abuse is a leading cause in many reported cases on campus.”
Colonel Mandlelize, Station Commander at the Alice Police Station, emphasized the legal implications of substance abuse. “Alcohol is a key contributor to serious crimes like robbery, murder, assault, and GBV. Students often use alcohol as a way to socialize, especially over weekends, but many are unaware that public drinking during the day is a criminal offense under the Eastern Cape Liquor Act and the Criminal Prostitution Act. This gives police the authority to take action. We want students to understand that violating these laws can result in a criminal record, which might prevent them from securing employment after graduation.”
Students also voiced their support for the campaign, noting the impact of alcohol on their academic performance and well-being. “Knowing your limits promotes self-care and better decision-making. When you’re drunk, your judgment is impaired. It can cause you to miss classes and tests, and eventually, your finances suffer because you’re constantly thinking about drinking,” one student shared.
The Know Your Limit campaign stands as a vital educational initiative, not only for Fort Hare students but for communities across South Africa. It encourages reflection, responsible behavior, and proactive efforts to reduce GBV through tackling one of its root causes—substance abuse.
