To commemorate a decade of fighting Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Higher Education and Training Health, Wellness and Development Centre, will be hosting the10th Annual Silent Protest March at Curries Fountain in Durban on Tuesday, 27 August 2024.

Mr Buti Manamela, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training will deliver the keynote address at the 10thanniversary of the Silent Protest themed: “One act of GBV equals too many.” Mr Manamela will also join the DUT community in the Silent Protest March from Steve Biko campus to Curries Fountain.

According to one of the organisers Mrs Thobile Zulu, Specialist: HIV/AIDS Coordinator at DUT, this event will mark DUT’s long-term commitment to breaking the silence about Gender-Based Violence and creating a more secure and safer environment for staff and students. She indicated that the Silent Protest does not only raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence but also aims to show solidarity with survivors of GBV.

“We urge students to come out in their numbers to join the Silent Protest March and be part of the 10th anniversary celebration. The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela will be joining the Silent Protest March from Steve Biko campus to Curries Fountain and he will also be delivering a keynote address, showing his commitment to combating GBV within the academic community. The students will also get the opportunity to share their challenges, experiences and concerns around GBV. The students’ engagement will contribute towards a way forward and assist the university in addressing these global challenges,” shared Mrs Zulu.

The Silent Protest March will provide a platform for DUT to engage with higher education students from the Durban Metro and uMsunduzi but also, the broader community, on the continued stigma and silence around GBV.

Pictured: DUT to host 10th Annual Silent Protest.

Simangele Zuma