Marking more than a decade of unwavering commitment to the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the HIV and AIDS Centre at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) will host its 12th Annual Silent Protest March on Wednesday, 26 August 2026. Held under the theme: “Silence Speaks: Standing Together Against GBV,” the event will take place at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko Campus in Durban from 09h00.
The annual Silent Protest March forms part of DUT’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about GBV, challenge the culture of silence surrounding violence and create a safer, more inclusive environment for students, staff and the broader community.
Dr Thobile Zulu, Specialist: HIV/AIDS Coordinator at DUT, said the Silent Protest March provides an important platform for the University community and stakeholders to stand in solidarity with survivors of GBV while strengthening awareness of the support services available to those affected.
“The DUT Silent Protest provides a platform to engage higher education students from the Durban Metro and uMsunduzi, as well as the broader community, on the continued stigma and silence around gender-based violence. The programme will also share with students the support available on campus for survivors of gender-based violence and create a safe environment where their voices, including those of marginalised communities, can be heard,” said Dr Zulu.
The event will bring together students and stakeholders from higher education institutions across the Durban Metro and uMsunduzi, creating an opportunity for meaningful dialogue on the challenges surrounding GBV and the need for collective action.
Dr Zulu encouraged students and staff to attend the Silent Protest March in numbers and actively participate in the programme.
“We encourage everyone to come out in numbers, join the Silent Protest March and be part of the discussion. This is an opportunity to share challenges, experiences and concerns around GBV. The engagement will contribute towards finding a way forward and assist the University and broader society in addressing this global challenge,” shared Dr Zulu.
The Silent Protest March reaffirms DUT’s commitment to creating awareness, supporting survivors and contributing to efforts aimed at preventing GBV within the University and broader community.
Event Details
Event: DUT 12th Annual Silent Protest March
Theme: “Silence Speaks: Standing Together Against GBV”
Date: Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Time: 09h00–14h00
Venue: Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko Campus, Durban
Pictured: DUT students during the previous Silent Protest March.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese
Simangele Zuma
