Students march against gender-based Violence
Students march against gender-based Violence
Students with pluck cards in support of the march against gender-based violence
Qhawekazi Memani
On 17 August, the HIV and AIDS Unit (IHAU) alongside Vaal University of Technology (VUT) students marched from Academia student residence to the Amphitheatre in unity against gender-based violence.
Bonginkosi Dlamini (Zola7) in his song Grateful sings: “I see God in you noba ngabe bengathini, nobe ungubani… you are wonderful.”
These were the words Reverend Mpangase chose to open the event accompanied by a verse from Acts 10:34 which says God shows no favouritism and a plea that everyone should see God in each other, irrespective of circumstances or gender.
Students marching to the campus from the residences
There have been alarming reports of rape, alcohol and drug abuse on campus: “We are not doing this to entertain you but to make a plea to stop violence, alcohol and drug abuse. So many students are ending their lives, some are not able to complete their studies due to these ills and we plead for such to stop at VUT,” said Maureen Motsukunyane: Director HIV and AIDS unit.
She also called on staff members and students to unite and uphold the values of VUT and appealed to those in need of help or otherwise affected to seek help, join open dialogues or talk to someone close to them. Services are also available on campus.
Guest speaker, singer and actress Marah Louw
Guest speaker, singer and actress Marah Louw, touched the students with her own story of abuse. She shared with them how she conquered it. She highlighted that anyone who abuses you does not love you and you should walk away and that rape is unacceptable.
Speaking about substance abuse, she said there is no turning back the clock and it’s not easy to leave it: “Whoever is selling you drugs is trying to destroy you, they hate you,” she said. She also pleaded with the students to be proud of who they are and to love themselves.
She paid tribute to all women who have suffered abuse and rape and said to those inflicting pain on themselves and loved ones through substance abuse: “Say no to drugs, don’t let the sun go down on you high on drugs.”
Young women from VUT also came to the forefront and spoke about their stories. They highlighted that students should not allow anyone to break them. Abusers have the tendency of wanting to break people to the extent where they hate themselves. They said nobody should let anyone else change them.
They also called for respect and unity amongst one another.