For the first time in history, Bellville, District Six, Mowbray and Wellington campuses will take part in the silent protests during lunchtime on 29 August.
“We’re making history,” says Melanie Marais, Head of the HIV/Aids Unit. “For the first time in history CPUT’s four main campuses will support the GBV cause at the same time, same day.”
As part of the cause, the Unit wrapped trees with purple ribbons on all the main campuses including Ganger Bay to symbolize gender-based violence.
Championed by the HIV Unit, the event is a partnership between Student Affairs and the Institutional Transformation Unit.
“The aim of the protest is to break our silence on the issue of gender-based violence. We are saying students and staff must speak out against GBV,” says Marais.
A year ago CPUT launched its Position Statement on the Institutional Response to GBV and is in the process of finalising its first GBV Policy.
According to Marais, South Africa has the highest rate of gender-based violence and femicide in the world and that 10% of all reported rape cases happened at universities.
She says the Unit wants to change the course of history and eliminate gender-based violence on campus and in the communities.
Students and staff are urged to participate in the silent peaceful protests on their campuses and posters with slogans and messages will be made available.
Everyone is encouraged to wear something purple on that day to support the cause.
