Peaceful March Against GBV

by Keyaka Magazine | Aug 10, 2025 | Campus Life

By: Theka Ramokone

In a powerful display of unity and resistance, the Student Representative Council (SRC), led by University President Kamogelo Poto and Deputy President Portia Dube, organized a march against gender-based violence (GBV) following a recent attempted rape case that has shaken the campus community.

Students marched from the Student Centre to the Gender Desk, calling for justice, accountability, and meaningful institutional reform. “We’re tired of cases like these being ignored. We demand justice for survivors and immediate action against all alleged perpetrators, starting with their removal from campus,” Dube declared. She also stressed the need for improved leadership and responsiveness at the Gender Desk, urging the university to review its approach to GBV support. “The SRC stands firmly with survivors, and we make it clear: our campus will never be a safe haven for gender-based violence.”

University President addressing students demanding justice for GBV. Photo by: Survice Mokwena

First-year BA Media Studies student Ndou Humbulani shared her painful experience: “I joined because I’m a survivor, and my case hasn’t progressed. Counselling isn’t enough! I need justice. Many cases drag on with no accountability. This march is symbolic, but I’m cautious; promises have been made before with little action. Real change requires real follow-through.”

Third-year LLB student Mmakgotso Phaladi echoed this call for accountability: “We need leadership to hold the Gender Desk accountable and push for genuine progress. The march was bittersweet, it’s encouraging to see awareness, but disappointing more students didn’t join. GBV affects all of us, and silence only enables it. This is our campus and future! if we don’t speak up now, who will?”

The march was more than protest, it was a demand for action. Survivors refuse to be sidelined or silenced. For change to happen, the university must move beyond words to concrete, transparent steps supporting survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and restoring trust. Gender-based violence affects us all, and until it is taken seriously, students will continue to rise, speak out, and demand justice.