Standing together in silence, the CUT Welkom Campus community took part in a silent march to honour lives lost to GBV and femicide and to reaffirm its call for an end to violence.

The senseless and devastating killings of women across South Africa continue to expose the brutal reality of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide in our society. In response, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), together with the Welkom South African Police Service (SAPS), took a united stand against violence. Dressed in black, students and staff honoured the lives of women lost to violence, stood in solidarity with survivors and raised their voices for an end to a crisis that continues to claim lives.

Addressing attendees, Acting Director: Communications and Marketing, Mr Matome Kganakga, encouraged staff and students to move beyond symbolic support and become active champions for change. “Let the black that we wear today represent a lasting commitment to care, courage and action. Let us work together to build a campus where everyone can study, work and pursue their dreams without fear,” he said.

SAPS Sergeant Lesupi, representing the Welkom Police Station, emphasised the importance of collective action in the fight against gender-based violence while assuring students and staff of the police’s continued support in promoting safety and protection on and around campus.

For students, the gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the impact of GBV and raise their voices against violence. Lainicarol Jose Uqueio, a second-year student in the Bachelor of Education in Economic and Management Sciences (EMS), said women should never have to justify their right to safety and dignity. “It should be enough that a person is a woman. Being a mother, a sister or a daughter comes after that. Simply being a woman should be enough reason to be respected, protected and allowed to live without fear,” she said.

CUT staff and students holding placards during the silent march, standing in solidarity against GBV and femicide