Cape Town – The Select Committee on Education and Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture has expressed its shock and condemnation following the recent attack on a female student from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). The incident, which occurred at a private student residence, has drawn significant concern from the Committee.
According to Parliament of South Africa, Chairperson Mr. Elleck Nchabeleng emphasized the urgent need for action against gender-based violence, especially in academic environments.
Mr. Nchabeleng highlighted the severity of the incident, in which a male student, reportedly in a relationship with the victim, allegedly carried out the attack. The female student survived the assault and is currently in stable condition in the hospital. This incident is part of a concerning pattern of violence against university students, both on and off campuses and campus residences.
Reflecting on the broader issue of safety for university students, Mr. Nchabeleng recalled a similar early-year incident where a university student was robbed and killed for a cellphone in Belhar. The Committee, deeply saddened by these events, is calling for enhanced security measures in off-campus student accommodations. They assert that universities must prioritize safety and determine effective strategies to protect students, especially with the ongoing examination period.
In addition to heightened security measures, the Committee advocates for on-campus discussions aimed at empowering students to prevent abuses and sexual violence against fellow students. Mr. Nchabeleng stressed the importance of continuous engagement in the fight against gender-based violence, underlining that it is a battle the country must relentlessly wage. He called for a transformative change in campus environments to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.