Staff Reporter
In continuing to remember Uyinene Mrwetyana and many others who lost their lives due to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), the University of Cape Town (UCT) will gather in support of a unity walk organised by the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation on Saturday, 26 August 2023.
One of UCT’s bleakest moments was when first-year student Uyinene Mrwetyana went to the post office in Claremont to pick up a parcel and was brutally raped and murdered by a male post office worker on 24 August 2019.
UCT will join the unity walk to commemorate and celebrate the life of Uyinene, a beacon of hope and inspiration whose tragic passing shook campus and forever changed lives of family and friends.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Transformation, Student Affairs and Social Responsiveness, Professor Elelwani Ramugondo, said: “The month of August is not only for the country to celebrate women. During this month, we are also reminded of – and we intensify our efforts in – confronting sexual and gender-based violence.
“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.”
The walk theme is “United Against GBVF (gender-based violence and femicide)”.
Ramugondo added: “Beyond commemorating 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.”
The walk will start at Roscommon Residence at 09:00 and proceed to Clareinch Post Office.
Ramugondo remembered Uyinene as a young student whose life was characterised by determination, intelligence and a passion for positive change.
“As a student at UCT, she demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, an unwavering commitment to her studies, and an infectious enthusiasm for life. Her vibrant spirit, warm heart and compassionate nature made her a beloved member of our campus family. To honour her legacy, UCT created the Uyinene Mrwetyana Scholarship in the Faculty of Humanities.
“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.
INSIDE EDUCATION
