HUNDREDS of Wits University students embarked on a silent protest against rape and violence against women.
The protest saw dozens of students wearing purple T-shirts with tape over their mouths to show solidarity with those women and men silenced by their rapists.
As the march proceeded, only the sound of whistles could be heard, while some marchers carried sjamboks and others held placards that read: “Stop the war on women’s bodies.”
Limpho Kou from Drama For Life said the protest was another way to raise awareness about issues of gender and sexual violence.
“Survivors who have been hurt or raped are afraid of speaking out. We are saying we’re behind them and we believe them,” she said.
Aids Healthcare Foundation regional policy and advocacy manager Larissa Klazinga said most rape survivors feared reporting incidents because they feared judgement and stigma.
She said rape was a massive problem at universities. Klazinga said activism around gender-based violence has improved over the last 10 years.
“I’m an incest survivor. Most of my friends and family are rape or incest survivors.
“I inhabit a world where rape is a norm,” she said.
Madalitso Phakathi and Zamokuhle Zunga, both second-year biological science students, hoped the march would be a sign to perpetrators to stop committing crime, especially on campuses.
