The University of Cape Town (UCT) in partnership with the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation will on Saturday gather in support of gender-based violence victims in a unity walk.
The unity walk is in remembrance of Mrwetyana and many others who lost their lives due to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Themed United Against GBVF (gender-based violence and femicide), the walk will commence at Roscommon Residence at 9.am and proceed to Clareinch Post Office.
Professor Elelwani Ramugondo, deputy vice-chancellor: transformation, student affairs and social responsiveness, said the month of August is not only for the celebration of women.
Ramugondo said it is during this month that the nation is reminded of – and intensifies efforts in – confronting sexual and GBV.
“As a university, we put every effort toward creating an environment on and around campus where students and colleagues can feel safe, against the background of SGBV as a broader societal scourge,” said Ramugondo.
He acknowledged that one of the institution’s bleakest moments was in August 2019 when Mrwetyana went to the post office in Claremont to pick up a parcel and ended up being brutally raped and murdered by one of the workers at the post office.
He revealed that the institution has created the Uyinene Mrwetyana Scholarship in the faculty of humanities to honour her legacy.
“As a student at UCT, she demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, an unwavering commitment to her studies, and an infectious enthusiasm for life,” said Ramugondo.
“Her vibrant spirit, warm heart and compassionate nature made her a beloved member of our campus family.
“Beyond serving as a commemoration of Uyinene’s life, the walk will show support for everyone affected by SGBV as we stand as a unified community with students and staff from the Western Cape in the commitment to eradicate SGBV.
“Let us remember Uyinene as not just a victim of violence but as a champion for humanity, equality and justice.
“Let her life inspire us to strive for a society where everyone feels safe, valued and heard,” said Ramugondo.
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