UCT continues to take a stand against GBV

Dear colleagues and students

As we continue the fight against the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV), November 2025 has marked – and will continue to mark – a period of significant action and awareness across our University of Cape Town (UCT) community and beyond.

We are just a few days away from commemorating the 16 days of activism campaign from 25 November until 10 December. This campaign, observed globally each year, is a call to action to end violence against women and children. Throughout these 16 days, the government, civil society organisations, institutions and individuals unite to raise awareness and advocate for meaningful change.

The campaign encourages every member of society to take collective responsibility in confronting GBV. It serves as a reminder that sustained action throughout the year is vital, and these 16 days offer a focused opportunity to amplify our voices, renew our commitments and engage our communities more deeply.

UCT has also been made aware of the Women For Change call for a national anti-GBV action scheduled for 21 November ahead of the G20 Summit. As a university, we will also express our support in a number of ways over the next few days.

Working in consultation with the Students’ Representative Council, several online and in-person initiatives are planned for the remainder of the week ending 21 November 2025. Please monitor official campus communication for more details on the planned campus initiatives, where you will have the opportunity to participate.

I also share an update following the peaceful student-led demonstrations against GBV that took place on campus between 10 and 12 November 2025. We note that similar demonstrations took place at a few other universities in the same week, highlighting that GBV is a broader national concern among students.

The demonstrations at UCT arose as a result of GBV-related allegations that occurred at two of the university’s residences. We want to assure the campus community of the university’s steadfast commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all its members. Incidents that have been reported are being investigated by an independent external investigator appointed by the Department of Student Affairs and the university’s Campus Protection Services (CPS) with the utmost urgency, confidentiality and sensitivity.

We acknowledge the importance of the recent student-led demonstrations in amplifying the voices of the survivors. Our students have, in this way, taken on the role of allies, walking the journey alongside survivors as they navigate the available channels for justice and support. That being said, it is important that we follow due process, respect the rights of all and ensure the safety of all our students.

It is important to emphasise that UCT takes all reported cases of sexual and gender-based violence seriously, whether on or off campuses. Allegations of sexual violence that affect UCT staff and students are reported through available channels as per the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act. All survivors are encouraged to use internal mechanisms activated via the online tool to report cases rapidly and with ease. Alternatively, or in parallel, survivors may seek support from the South African Police Services, trusted allies or registered external organisations.

Additional measures to address the GBV pandemic include a special tribunal that has been established at UCT to expedite cases. Part of this process is to ensure that protective measures are in place (including issuing provisional no contact orders and suspension orders) where allegations warrant this level of action. These are some of the immediate measures that can be implemented to assist the university in creating safe spaces on our campus for both the complainant and the broader campus community.

Sexual and gender-based violence has no place at UCT – and in society. The university will continue dealing with all reported cases decisively and urgently; and supporting the broader fight against GBV.

Sincerely

Professor Elelwani Ramugondo
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Transformation, Student Affairs and Social Responsiveness