SALGA National Women’s Commission condemns the senseless killing of UCT student Uyinene “Nene” Mrwetyana

Posted: 03 September 2019

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) National Women’s Commission has learnt with shock and sadness as details emerge leading to the brutal murder and rape of a University of Cape Town student Uyinene Mrwetyana.

This unfortunate and senseless killing of Uyinene confirms that the fight against gender inequalities and for respect for women rights is still a far-fetched dream in South Africa. Until the day women can walk freely in our streets and even jog in the evening without having to watch their back in fear of being kidnapped and raped, the freedom we claim to have then is meaningless.

The Freedom Charter, the beacon that guides us towards the SA we want to live in calls that the doors of learning be open for the likes of Uyinene and others, key to the Charter, is also a clarion call for peace, security and comfort for all the people of South Africa. Without safety and security for women, we can never say we truly enjoy the fruits of our hard-won democracy and our liberty is therefore incomplete.

The Women’s Commission urges the law enforcement agencies to ensure justice takes its course in the case of Uyinene. Violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights.

The Women’s Commission also joins the calls by Government on men to lead the change society wants to see in our society, at home and the workplace.

The Women’s Commission sends it’s heartfelt condolences to the Mrwetyana family and friends.