UCT says #JustNO to GBV

Hundreds of staff and students, led by University of Cape Town (UCT) Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng and Professor Loretta Feris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Transformation, marched on campus on Friday, 2 August in support of the institution’s #JustNO campaign against gender-based violence. After a rousing speech by the Vice-Chancellor, the marchers had their mouths taped shut to symbolise the silence around the scourge, before marching out of the hall. The campaign, which runs until December, carries the message that UCT will not tolerate gender-based violence and rape culture. It is supported by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, the Office for Inclusivity and Change, Student Wellness Services, the Sexual Assault Response Team and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Brenton Geach captured the mood on camera.