Leading the Charge: How Zinhle Ngcobo is Building a Safer UKZN

Ms Zinhle Ngcobo is making a meaningful difference at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) through her dedication to supporting survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and helping to create a safer, more inclusive university community.

As Acting Investigations Officer specialising in GBV investigations, Ngcobo investigates incidents of sexual and Gender-Based Violence while ensuring that those affected receive the support they need. Her work extends beyond investigations, fostering partnerships with the South African Police Service (SAPS), medical facilities, and other key stakeholders to provide a co-ordinated response for members of the UKZN community. “My role is to investigate all incidents involving sexual and Gender-Based Violence at the University and ensure that UKZN is a safe space for everyone within it,” she said.

Among the milestones Ngcobo is most proud of is helping establish the GBV Investigations Office and contributing to the policies and procedures that continue to strengthen the University’s response to GBV.

“GBV is a nationwide problem, and it’s important that we all strive to make a difference, no matter how small, in order to fight the scourge,” she said.

She attributes the success of this achievement to the collaborative efforts of colleagues across the University who worked tirelessly to develop a comprehensive approach to addressing GBV.

Working in the security sector has also shaped her journey. Ngcobo acknowledges that women in the profession are often required to continually demonstrate their abilities in demanding environments. Despite these challenges, she credits UKZN for providing training and leadership opportunities that have enabled her to grow professionally and confidently.

Her message to young women aspiring to enter the field is one of courage and self-belief. “Believe in yourself. Don’t allow anybody to tell you that you can’t. When opportunity knocks, take it, you never know where it will lead you.”

For Ngcobo, Women’s Month is both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work that still lies ahead. As someone who works directly with GBV survivors, she views Women’s Month as bittersweet – a reminder of the strides made for women’s rights, but also of how far we remain from true equality and universal safety.

She hopes her story will inspire the UKZN community to continue working together to build a campus where everyone feels safe, respected and supported. “There is still a lot of work to be done to make the University a safe space that is conducive to teaching and learning, but together we will achieve our objective.”

Ngcobo added that the GBV Support Office remains committed to continuously improving its services and providing compassionate, high-quality support to every member of the University community. Through her unwavering commitment and service, she exemplifies this year’s Women’s Month theme: “Empowered Women Empower the Nation” by helping to create lasting, positive change at UKZN.

*Visit our YouTube channel to watch our Women’s Month stories of inspiration and excellence.

Words: Lungile Ngubelanga

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

*Dressed by Qhawekazi Collection.