Professor Nirmala Gopal’s inaugural lecture focused on no peace without safety in the Global South – a topic with a long history which she described as close to her heart and the fuel for her own academic passions.

A senior professor in UKZN’s School of Applied Human Sciences, Gopal focuses on the field of Criminology with her research interests spanning gender-based violence; youth criminality and violence in schools; cybercrime security and peace; and theories on criminal behaviour.

She reflected on the quest for peace in the Global South, particularly in South Africa which is witnessing high levels of violence. Gopal noted that, ‘when violence exists, it necessitates a form of security, and the goal is to achieve peace.’ Drawing inspiration from the United Nations’ Deputy Secretary-General’s policy framework on the Pillars of Human Security, she observed that ‘this perspective highlights the need for a balance between peace and security in the face of adversity.’

The framework draws attention to the need to promote “personal security, community security” and “political security”. Gopal said that this is necessary to enhance national security that, in turn, promotes international security and supports the United Nations’ efforts in this regard.

Gopal asserted that, while violence has become normalised due to its prevalence in society, this is not acceptable. Noting the complex, non-reflexive nature of violence, she highlighted the need for multifaceted responses.

Gopal observed that there is a link between the level of national development and security and noted that, despite being prone to a variety of crimes, the Global North has led the way in addressing security issues, with countries like the United Kingdom and others in Europe having established robust systems that promote peace.

She observed that ‘while we have strong value systems that guide how we interact with one another, as well as cultures of compassion and understanding,’ the Global South is a hotspot for structural forms of violence.

In conclusion, Gopal said that theories such as the Social Learning Theory and the Rational Choice Theory could be drawn on to design long-term structures to address structural violence in the Global South, thereby promoting security, and ultimately, peace.

Speaking on behalf of UKZN Registrar, Dr Kathy Cleland, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Humanities Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize congratulated Gopal on her promotion and thanked her for her contribution to the School of Applied Human Sciences, the College, the University, and the community.

Click here to watch the lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v7hfpfZEH0.