By Khanyisa Khenese
This year marks five years since the murder of Makhandan and UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana in 2019 at the Clareinch post office in Claremont.
Following her rape and murder, there were nationwide protests against gender-based violence (GBV).
On Monday morning, Kingswood College, which has partnered with the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation since 2020, held an annual commemorative lecture in memory of Uyinene.
Though she was murdered in August, the memorial lectures are held around the time of her birthday, 20 April, to remember, celebrate and acknowledge her life.
The lecture reflected on the person Uyinene was, as she was known to be inquisitive, forthright, and vocal about social ills that plague communities.
“It is for this reason we have partnered with the Foundation in empowering young people to stand against gender-based violence,” said Kingswood College Head Leon Grove.
Uyinene’s mother, Nomangwane Mrwetyana, said, “We celebrate her legacy of resilience, courage, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of justice; we continue to remember Nene and uphold the legacy of Uyi-Uyi”.
“GBV is a pervasive violation of human rights and a significant barrier to the achievement of equality, development, and peace. It knows no social, economic or national boundaries, and tragically, it often begins at a young age by making our school a crucial battling ground in the fight against it,” said Grove.
He added that Kingswood College is not just a place for academic learning; it strives to instil values and shape the minds of future leaders of this country.
“The fight against GBV is not just a matter of policy; it is a moral imperative that reflects the kind of world we want to live in; it is about protecting our most vulnerable young people”.
The keynote lecture was delivered by the public protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, who served as a Special Advisor to Ministers of the Department of Public Service and Administration, Department of Home Affairs, and Department of Finance and worked on the Committee of Enquiry for Gauteng municipalities.
Gcaleka said that this month allowed her to reflect on human rights as stipulated in the Constitution. “The right to life, the right to freedom, and the right to dignity were the rights stripped off to Uyinene”.
She also emphasised that the right to equality is significant as it gives “every child a right to have safe surroundings, to be free to walk the streets, to have a safe home and to be able to practice innocence, to be able to trust and to be able, to be honest in the world we live”.
Uyinene’s mother, Nomangwane, told Grocotts Mail that life without her daughter has been challenging, and the increase in GBV in South Africa has been a setback for them sometimes. However, they are learning to cope each day.
“The whole issue of GBV is increasing instead of decreasing, so obviously, it can be discouraging to even do the work, but we continue for the sake of Uyinene, and with occasions like these where you see a legacy being upheld, it’s quite encouraging “.
She added that for Uyinene’s birthday, they plan to meet as a family to light a candle and remember her.
