University of Johannesburg
To take a stand against gender-based violence (GBV), the University of Johannesburg participated in multiple silent marches throughout all four of its campuses on 16 September. Protesters were equipped with posters bearing slogans such as “My Body, My Choice” and “equality is a human right”. The protesters demanded that university management organize self-defense classes and distribute safety kits containing pepper spray.
University of Witwatersrand
Students clothed in black and purple at the University of Witwatersrand organized their own march that comprised of a sit-in, prayer, and handing Wits management a memorandum on 9 September. Some of the demands included the need for free self-defense classes, self-defense equipment, rape kits and increased security at campus bus stops. The women’s subcommittee of Amnesty International Wits has set forth research to obtain statistics of GBV. Organizers combined various movements and issues into one mass sit-in to enable all students to gather for a single purpose. Earlier in the week, a vigil was held at the Wits campus in memory of Uyinene Mrwetyana. In addition to this, an online reporting tool has been created to make it easier to report cases of GBV. The university management plans to equip staff and students with a personal alarm device, self-defense classes and safety tool-kit.
University of Western Cape
Jesse Hess, a first-year theology student at the University of Western Cape (UWC) was murdered, along with her 85 year old grandfather. In coordination with UCT, both universities held a vigil in remembrance of Hesse and Mrwetyana. Hess’ passing prompted a campus movement to identify and apprehend an alleged rapist at one of the student residences. According to SAPS, the alleged suspect has been taken in for questioning. University management has sought to formulate plans to equip students with self-defense classes and kits.
University of Stellenbosch
The passing of Clarissa Lindoor, an employee of a company that provided cleaning services to the University of Stellenbosch’s student residences, reiterated the #EnoughIsEnough movement. Lindoor was murdered by her partner at a farm on the outskirts of Stellenbosch on 14 September. The university’s management lamented at the fact that GBV was still so widespread despite the national outcry against GBV and has undertaken the cost of Lindoor’s funeral. Lindoor’s passing has brought the reality of GBV in South Africa back to student consciences at the University of Stellenbosch. In response to the GBV outbreak, Stellenbosch students took a stand in the form of sit-ins and marches
University of KwaZulu Natal
The passing of Sinethemba Ndlovu, a UKZN student, sparked outrage amongst the student community. Ndlovu was stabbed on her away to her student accommodation. She passed away shortly after being hospitalized. The man responsible for the attack has been apprehended. Ndlovu’s passing has unleashed a flurry of anger in the UKZN student community. The university management suspended the academic program on 27 September and emphasized the need for the student community to pause and reflect on the brutality that characterizes our society.
In response to the rampant outbreak of GBV in South Africa, a R1.1 billion budget has been allocated for a comprehensive response to GBV.
Compiled by Susanna Anbu
