Silent protest against gender-based violence
AWARENESS: The HIV/Aids Unit has wrapped trees with purple ribbons on all CPUT main campuses including Ganger Bay to symbolize gender-based violence ahead of the silent protests that will held at lunchtime on 29 August.
Thursday, 22 August 2019
CPUT is gearing up for a silent protest to demonstrate support for victims of gender-based violence (GBV) and encourage students and staff to speak out against this behavioural problem.
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.
Written by Kwanele Butana
Email: butanak@cput.ac.za
News categories
- Advancement 13
- Alumni 77
- Awards 42
- Campus Life 20
- Community Engagement 158
- Disability Unit 12
- Applied Sciences 93
- Business & Management Sciences 90
- Education 96
- Engineering & the Built Environment 131
- Health & Wellness Sciences 88
- Informatics & Design 69
- Fundani CHED 25
- Funding 19
- GBV 16
- Graduation 80
- HIV/Aids Unit 39
- Know Your CPUT 65
- Libraries 18
- News 3719
- RTIP 286
- Residences (Accommodation) 14
- Staff 629
- SIIP 38
- Students 1287
- Student Health 43
- Sport, Arts & Culture 115
- SRC 4
- Student Affairs 11
- University Leadership 17
- Varsity Shield 17
- Vice-Chancellor 24
- Work-Integrated Learning 21
- THENSA 10
Latest NEWS
Cheerleaders raise the bar with provincial and national recognition
Thursday, 11 June 2026
Read more
