In a powerful show of solidarity, students at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) turned out in large numbers for the 10th Annual Silent Protest March against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The event, held in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Higher Education and Training Health, Wellness and Development Centre, commenced at the Steve Biko campus and concluded at Curries Fountain in Durban on Tuesday, 27 August 2024.
Marking a decade of unwavering commitment to the fight against GBV, this year’s march, themed “One act of Gender-Based Violence equals too many,” underscored DUT’s ongoing efforts to foster a safer environment for all. The event was further elevated by the presence of distinguished guests, including the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Mr Buti Manamela and CEO of Higher Health, Professor Ramneek Ahluwalia, who joined the DUT community in their pledge to eradicate GBV.
DUT Midlands Campus Director, Professor Mashupye Kgaphola, welcomed the guests and attendees, expressing his gratitude for their united stand against GBV and their shared hope for a future where such violence no longer exists.
DUT students during the 10th Annual Silent Protest March.
Dr Clement Moreku, the Dean of Students at DUT noted that Gender-Based Violence remains a significant challenge that required a determined effort from different spheres, including the institutions of higher education. He indicated that the aim of the Silent Protest was not only to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence but to also show solidarity with survivors of Gender-Based Violence.
“The issues relating to Gender-Based Violence are of particular importance, especially of the incidents that are occurring in higher education institutions, both locally and nationally. This year’s Silent Protest encouraged students not to be silenced by the circumstances but to raise their voices against Gender-Based Violence. Students were provided with a platform to engage on issues of Gender-Based Violence. The national statistics show that one in three women are victims of Gender-Based Violence. We call for every student and staff member to report any acts of Gender-Based Violence,” shared Dr Moreku
The DUT Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane provided reflections on the journey of the Silent Protest. He steered the guests down the memory lane back to 2015, when the Silent Protest against Gender-Based Violence had started. Dr Nkonoane mentioned that at the time the Silent Protest was initiated, DUT never thought it would reach a day where it would be observing its 10th anniversary.
“At the beginning of the Silent Protest, the focus was more on survivors of rape. Our orientation of Gender-Based Violence at the time was to wait aside for somebody to be raped and only then we would intervene. We have since evolved from just waiting in the sidelines and waiting for victims or survivors to appear in our offices. It is through the Silent Protest that a loud message is sent out to the perpetrators of Gender-Based Violence, that they must be aware that they will be caught out,” said Dr Nkonoane.
He mentioned that DUT’s desire is to send every student back home, being better individuals, who are highly educated and who will contribute to making a positive impact in their society.
The DUT Student Representative Council (SRC) Social and Welfare Officer in Durban, Ms Slindile Mabonga, provided a message of support mentioning that the SRC was in full support of the Silent Protest and hoped it will serve as a reminder that as student leaders they will not be complicit in the face of violence. She indicated that their aim is to create a safer environment for all students and to break the circle of violence.
Prof Ramneek Ahluwalia, CEO of Higher Health delivered a powerful message that resonated with the harsh reality many young women in South Africa face. “One in three young women in our country is sexually violated before the age of 21. Every third woman or female student sitting next to you could be the survivor of this horrific crime. Higher Health stands with DUT and all those affected, urging us all to join the fight against Gender-Based Violence. Together, we must work together to create a safer, more just society and campuses for all,” added Prof Ahluwalia.
Speaking on behalf of the Office of the eThekwini Municipality Mayor was Councillor Sizwe Mthethwa, who confirmed that the municipality was happy to be part of the 10th Silent Protest, which he said was a significant campaign against Gender-Based Violence. He stated that the municipality is fully behind DUT and is committed to working with DUT to fight Gender-Based Violence in institutions of higher learning.
Students from the Durban Metro and uMsunduzi got a chance to speak on the continued stigma and silence around Gender-Based Violence through a panel discussion which consisted of a DUT student and member of the LGBQTIA+, Sandiseni Madlula, Mr Mbongiseni Msomi, Director of Laqhakaza Iphara Recovery, Mr Relebohile Mofokeng, Director of Protection Services unit at DUT, Constable Gregory Alberts of Berea SAPS and Ms Thobekile Finger, Director of Programmes at Higher Health.
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela delivering a keynote address at the DUT Silent Protest.
Delivering the keynote address was the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela. He urged people to go back to the basics where “no means no.”
“It does not matter the tone, no means no! It doesn’t matter what you think of the person but we need to go back to those basics where no means no! Men need to unlearn some of the practices. A lecturer is not entitled to a student’s body in exchange for marks,” said Mr Manamela.
In addition, the Deputy Minister indicated that while more young women and men were coming forward to report Gender-Based Violence, their goal was to reach zero cases of Gender-Based Violence, showing zero tolerance in all its forms, whether physical, mental, emotional or financial.
In closing, Sister Soori Wardthen, Acting Director of Student Counselling and Health thanked all guests for making the 10thanniversary celebration a memorable one and she encouraged them to continue their fight against Gender-Based Violence.
Pictured: DUT students and guests being part of the 10th Annual Silent Protest.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Simangele Zuma
