In solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence

Dear colleagues and students

As you know, August is Women’s Month in South Africa.

For us, this is not only a month to celebrate – even though we should be thankful for the strength that women bring to this country and to each of us every day. This is a month to also be angry and to use this anger in a constructive way that will help to stamp out the violence that is directed at women, children and gender-nonconforming people.

In June this year, six-year-old Stacey Adams was murdered near her home in Mitchells Plain. Just a day later, four-year-old Uyathandwa Stuurman was taken from her grandparents’ home in Khayelitsha and her body was found two hours later.

We cannot receive such reports and not be angry. We cannot be angry and not do anything in response. We must be outraged, and while our outrage should not be confined to one day or one month, we must seize the moment of Wednesday, 1 August, to show solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence.

So, as the UCT executive, we call on all members of the UCT community, especially women and gender-nonconforming people, to join us. You are encouraged to wear red, black or white and to observe a moment of silence between 13:00 and 13:30 on Wednesday, 1 August.

This is an opportunity to put a spotlight on those that are less visible or less able to speak out in our society.

Sincerely

The UCT Executive

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements