UCT's student leaders join protest

On 20 February, the community assembled in its thousands to denounce the widespread violence, especially against the most vulnerable members of society, women and children. UCT's Students' Representative Council (SRC) added its voice to the chorus of "Enough!"

This is what the student leaders had to say: "Violent crime in South Africa has become such a common occurrence that the ordinary citizen has become desensitised to the issue. The majority of violent crime cases don't even make the news, such is its frequency. Consequently, there are thousands of cases that slip under the public's radar. This is not acceptable.

"We are marching for Anene Booysen. More than anything, we are marching for the nameless, faceless, everyday victims of violent crime in our country.

"This march is significant because it symbolises a fundamental shift in student governance at this university. For too long, student governance has been equated with bureaucracy and passive leadership. This event marks the return of socio-political activism by student leaders.

"This is a public display that UCT students do not accept violent crime in our country and in our communities. These students have forgone lectures to march in solidarity against violence in any way, shape or form.

"We acknowledge that this event, in and of itself, will not bring about an end to violent crime. However, we believe it is the duty of the youth to inspire the nation towards a better future. The only way we can improve the state of our country is through the commitment of each and every South African. But it starts with the individual.

"We say: 'Enough!'"