The Durban University of Technology (DUT’s) Student Counselling and Health recently hosted an annual silent protest at Indumiso Campus. The event kick started with a silent march that took place from the DUT Indumiso main gate to the Main Hall. During the walk all females were requested to sleep on the floor as a sign of paying respect to women who have lost their lives due to gender-based violence and did not voice out to be assisted.
The programme was facilitated by musician and motivational speaker: Ms Pinky MaNgcobo Khoza, who sang with students and encouraged them to participate during the programme.
“I would like to thank the university for giving us the platform where we can address and learn more about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases and other issues affecting the country. There are a lot of topics that are going to be covered during the discussion and I believe that everyone will learn something and also contribute to the discussions,” she said.
DUT Student Services Acting Director: Mr Sihle Mbanjwa, in his welcoming speech mentioned that Gender-Based Violence is a sensitive issue affecting most people in South Africa.
“I believe that everyone can make a difference by encouraging others to voice out when being abused. I am very happy that DUT have established a policy protecting learners and staff members against GBV, harassment, rape and many more issues. We want to teach our students and everyone here that the situation will not be changed by only addressing it, but actions should be taken,” he emphasized.
The programme consisted of a panel discussion which was facilitated by DUT Student Services psychologist: Ms Anita Masinyane.
The different speakers that participated during the discussion were DUT Department of Student Services Acting Director: Mr Sihle Mbanjwa, DUT Deputy President Student Representative Council (SRC): Thandolwethu April, Goodmen Chief Executive Officer: Smanga Xaba, Goodmen Events Manager: Mr Dumi Ginindza, Goodmen Foundation Security: Selby Gumede, Thuthuzela Care Centre Coordinator: Yolokazi Mjoli, Uthingo Network Victim Support: Mfundo Ntombela, Aurum Pop Inn Intervention Facilitator: Thabani Duma, Aurum Pop Inn Intervention Lay Counsellor: Mr Harmony Majola, Vispol Plessislaer Police Officers, Mr Ndlovu and Mr Mncwabe.
The topics that were covered during the discussion included on GBV, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBQI) harassment, abusive relationships, safety issues, mental health, the solutions for all the issues and many more.
The discussion was then followed by a question and answers session.
HIV&AIDS Coordinator: Ms Thobile Zulu, in her closing remarks thanked everyone who managed to attend the event, the sponsors who assisted and all the team members who participated in making the event a success.
Pictured: DUT students and staff members silent protest march from Indumiso main gate to the Indumiso main hall.
Pictured: DUT students at Indumiso Campus Min Hall during the silent protest event.
Picture Credit: Vusi Dlamini
Zanele Mashaba
