By Lucia Gxigxa and Nosihle Mthembu
The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Higher Education and Training Health, Wellness and Development Centre hosted its 10th Annual Silent Protest against gender-based violence (GBV) this week.
Scores of students participated in a silent protest on 27 August, which started at the Steve Biko campus gate, before proceeding to the Curries Fountain Stadium.
The protest slogan was displayed under a banner: 1 Act of GBV = 2 MANY, stating that one act of GBV equals too many.
Speakers delivered solidarity messages, with the DUT Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku, outlining the purpose of the protest. ”The Silent Protest aims to raise awareness not only about gender-based violence, but also to show solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence.”
Deputy minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, who was the keynote speaker, emphasised the importance of reiterating the principle that no one should feel compelled to give sexual consent.
He said: “We must go back to the basics to help young men and men in general, myself included, that we are not entitled to a woman’s body.”
