Admin
11 Sep, 2018
UDEMWO: The SA police is not serious about stopping the kidnapping and murder of women and children
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is concerned that the South African Police Services do not appear to take kidnapping reports seriously. One only has to open a newspaper to read about the kidnapping and murder of women and children. Our communities are plagued by this scourge and those that are tasked to ensure our safety and security are failing dismally. Not long ago, live footage showed how 21 year-old student Charmaine Erick was almost kidnapped just in front of her house in Rembrandt Park, Johannesburg. We are grateful that she managed to escape, but how many children must fall victim before safety and security authorities realise that the country is in crisis? How long must we wait before this issue is addressed? It is getting clearer that issues relating to women and children are not taken seriously. What is even more disappointing is that Minister of Women Bathabile Dlamini is nowhere to be seen. It is disappointing and distressing that the ruling government continues to elect self-centred and inept individuals to high positions. UDEMWO together with many people throughout the country are panicked and we call upon Minister of Police Bheki Cele to, together with all stakeholders, act swiftly to stop this nightmare.
Admin
05 Sep, 2018
UDEMWO calls for police visibility in rural areas to fight crime against women, children
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is distraught by the rape and murder of a female student in Engcobo in the Eastern Cape. This time the victim was young Zikho Cabeni, who was also an active member of the United Democratic Students’ Movement. This horrifying incident comes just after the country “celebrated women” in the month of August. We have learnt that nothing much has been done in terms of investigation and apprehending any suspects. This is heart-breaking and frustrating. We also call upon those who may have any leads to solve this case to come forward. The police must stop dragging their feet and do an urgent but thorough investigation so that the culprit/s can be brought to book. As UDEMWO, we stand for the rights of women and children and we feel that femicide and child homicide continues unabated and UDEMWO reiterates its call for greater police visibility and mobile police stations in the rural areas. We wish to extend a message of condolence to Zikho’s family and friends. May they find comfort in this time of pain. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
15 Aug, 2018
UDEMWO: Another female student bears the brunt of abuse: Fort Hare
The assault of a female student from the University of Fort Hare, in a video that is making the rounds on social media, is quite chilling. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) condemns the actions of the young man in the strongest possible terms. Witnessing such an assault in the period where the country is celebrating women is even more heart-wrenching. This is a clear sign that South Africa is still far away from ending gender-based violence. We live in a society where young men think it is normal to treat their female counterparts with physical and verbal abuse. UDEMWO believes that men who abuse women are cowards. It is of great concern that the young woman will apparently not be laying charges against her partner, because it was the first time he assaulted her. This is often the way women excuses the men in their lives who are cruel and mistreats them. There can be no justification for this young man’s behaviour; at all. We are urging women to come forward and report cases of abuse. No one is supposed to stay in an abusive relationship. You rather walk away while you still can than losing life and become a statistic. There has to be greater societal pressure that condemns this kind of behaviour. UDEMWO has been calling for greater punitive measures to be meted out to those found guilty of such actions but we cannot achieve this if victims continue to withdraw charges against their alleged attackers. UDEMWO also wishes to express our disapproval at the excessive alcohol abuse at what is termed bashes (how ironic a word) at universities and schools. There should be a total ban on alcohol on campus. /end Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
07 Aug, 2018
UDEMWO: Rape victim, Khensani Maseko dies; another young life snuffed out
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shattered by yet another young life cut short due to abuse. The death of Khensani Maseko is another reminder that the abuse of women and children in this country is very much alive. It is clear that Maseko, like many other abused and raped women, was dying on the inside while pretending to be fine after her rape ordeal. The society we are living in has allowed and normalised a rape culture and all sorts of abuse towards women. Our government continues to let women down. Why are the authorities mum on women abuse? How many lives must be lost before swift action is taken? Why are our lives taken for granted or not matter that much? Many like Maseko do not see a way out of their ordeal and opt to take their lives because the hand of justice continues to favour the culprits. The month of August has been set aside so that we may celebrate womanhood, and yet our plight, and that of our children, go unheard. How many lives must be lost before the ruling party sees the seriousness of women abuse? We express our condolences with Khensani’s family and friends. May her soul rest in peace. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
27 Jul, 2018
UDEMWO: Another child murdered: Where is the women’s minister?
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is shaken by yet another murder, that of 4-year-old Uyathandwa Stuurman, in the Khayelitsha area. A few months ago, it was reported that statistics show that more than 2 600 children were murdered in the country over the last three years, while 41% of rapes committed were against minors. These statistics shock to the core. Women are living in fear for their children on a daily basis. UDEMWO condemns the minister of women in the presidency Bathabile Dlamini for her deafening silence. She does not seem to take her work seriously. We never see her; we never hear from her. Minister Dlamini might as well be a trophy in the president’s office that serves no purpose. Why are the ruling party and its government so quiet about these matters? Why is gender violence a ceremonial topic during the 16 Days of Activism and Women’s Month? It is a sad fact that women have lost faith in the organs of state which are supposed to protect them. We live in fear in our own societies and spaces. More often than not we know the rapists and killers in our communities and homes. UDEMWO reiterates its belief that our legal system favours culprits; we believe the sentencing of the guilty are not harsh enough. Murderers and rapists must be put in jail and the key thrown away. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
26 Jul, 2018
NPA drops the case and Mduduzi Manana resigns as MP; something must be brewing?
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is left pondering over the sudden resignation, as a member of parliament, of former deputy minister for higher education Mduduzi Manana. This after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decided to not prosecute him for the alleged abuse of his domestic worker Christine Wiro. We are extremely disappointed by the NPA’s decision. For it to decide that the case is not winnable is not acceptable and we would have preferred that a court of law decided on the matter. If Manana believes that his name has been cleared, why is he resigning on the eve of the end of his term in office? Is this case “not winnable” because there is no video evidence like with the previous one? Manana may believe that he has been exonerated, but to our minds he will always be a women basher. UDEMWO has time and again pointed out the lack of synergy in the work of government departments. The NPA has just added another piece to this puzzle. It is clear that women have no place in this country. This must stop. We reiterate our view that the law of this country favours the culprits over the abused. And, as always, the ruling party continues to reward abusers and corrupt individuals. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
06 Jul, 2018
SASSA beneficiaries are again the victim of inept management
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disturbed by the South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) debacle that continues to disadvantage beneficiaries, especially elderly pensioners. The so-called glitch in the social grant service is simply not a good enough reason, if there are any, to blame for the continued inept management of the system. Since the past weekend, pensioners all over were left in the dark after not being able to access their monies. Many braved the cold, standing in queues, in the hope that this issue will be resolved. It is even worse when one considers that there was no communication with beneficiaries informing them of the problem. UDEMWO condemns the way SASSA’s management goes about their work. This mess clearly shows they are incompetent. We are of the view that there was internal sabotage from those who were reluctant to hand over to the post office. Any normal department would know that one cannot just go live without testing a new system and then expect miracles. They should have run a parallel demo before complete switch over. This mess must be sorted as a matter of urgency as the beneficiaries are suffering. We call on the Department of Social Development to pull up its socks. Swift interventions must be in place to ensure that, in the following months, everything runs smoothly. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO secretary General
Admin
14 Jun, 2018
UDEMWO condemns attack of teacher in school premises
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disturbed and shocked by the attack of a teacher by two students in a video that is making rounds on the social networks this week. The behaviour of the students is not acceptable. This incident occurred in school grounds in broad day light. It is reported that the assault started after the teacher confiscated a cell phone of one of the students when she was playing music in class. The teacher had every right to exercise that in class. Reports are that, the two girls waited for the teacher after school and started beating and kicking her. The behaviour of these students cannot be justified in anyway. We have been noticing the continuing disrespect and humiliation of teachers by students for a very long time. Measures must be taken to put an end to this. In another video, young boys are seen touching in an inappropriate manner a young girl who somehow looks intoxicated with drugs. The boys are forcing themselves on the girl while trying to penetrate her. This is such a horrible scene to watch. We cannot fold arms while things are going on like this. What is the role of the governing body at our schools? Why our schools have turned into warzone? Even young girls have turned to be aggressive. What kind of future generation will this country have? Teachers are also living in fear while in classrooms. They are not protected at all; hence the quality of education is getting weaker and weaker by day. How do we expect them to excel in their job while our children are a threat to them? Our education system is a disaster and swift action needs to be taken before things turn even more out of hand. Our schools have turned from being a place of safety for both teachers and pupils to be a battlefield. The Department of Education, parents and all those involved must come together to have a solution on the crisis that has plagued our schools. UDEMWO condemns the attack. Issued by: Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
24 May, 2018
UDM’s Thandi Nontenja on Mtubatuba by-elections: voter registration ahead of by-elections is a recipe for disaster as the results proved
Mr Sy Mamabolo Chief Electoral Officer Independent Electoral Commission Private Bag X112 Centurion, 0046 Dear Mr Mamabolo MTUBATUBA BY-ELECTIONS: VOTER REGISTRATION AHEAD OF BY-ELECTIONS IS A RECIPE FOR DISASTER AS THE RESULTS PROVED The United Democratic Movement (UDM) hopes that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is happy and it appreciates the current state of affairs in the Mtubatuba Municipality following our continuous warnings against the registration of voters when there are by-elections. We warned that such registration might 1) have a negative impact, that 2) the results might not be accurate and that 3) there might be loopholes for the manipulation of the voters’ roll. The UDM has, for time immemorial, warned at the National Party Liaison Committee meetings that this practice must be stopped. Unfortunately, the IEC is hellbent in continuing on doing this. What happened in Mkhanyakude District during the by-elections in Ward 4 in the Mtubatuba Municipality, where it was found that some voters who are not residents in that particular ward – and were residents of adjacent wards – who voted. This could have been prevented if the IEC had listened to the UDM’s counsel. The UDM hopes that the IEC will now take our position on this matter seriously. The IEC is expected to be responsive and listen to the voice of political parties as they are important role players in the electoral process. The results in the by-elections of Ward 4 have been compromised and it cannot be credible. Yours in nation building Mrs Thandi Nontenja UDM Representative on the National Party Liaison Committee thandi@udm.org.za
Admin
10 May, 2018
Why is Mduduzi Manana still an MP?
Statement by Ms Thandi Nontenja, UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disturbed by the fact that the former Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mduduzi Manana is again in the papers for alleged women abuse. Not long ago, he was released on bail after he assaulted a woman in Johannesburg. How many women must suffer at his hands before he is stopped? Has he become a serial offender? Why does the governing party continue to support and protect alleged women abusers? Government spends millions of rands on campaigns against women abuse, whilst the ANC draws a laager around some of its leaders for no apparent reason, but possibly for political favours? In addition, the spineless Women’s League’s lukewarm reaction is a condemnation of the women at its helm. It is the ultimate insult when women leaders defend their male counterparts at the expense of other women. Why have a Women’s League if it is nothing but an apron for immoral men to hide behind? UDEMWO does not understand why Manana is still warming a seat in parliament? If the ANC cared enough about the plight of women and children, he should have been booted out of the national assembly. We commend the National Prosecuting Authority for not dropping the charges against Manana and we hope that justice will take its course. Also, state prosecutors must not spare Manana because of his status. The magistrate presiding over this matter, should throw the book at him. Lastly, UDEMWO believes that men in Manana’s position should be the daily embodiment of the campaign against gender violence. In fact, when a prominent South African man makes himself guilty of women abuse it makes it easy for the average man and boy to emulate this behaviour. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
06 Apr, 2018
UDEMWO hopes for justice to be served, no-one is above law
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is waiting in anticipation as things unfold , as Mr Jacob Zuma’s day in court has finally arrived. We have been waiting for this day for so long and it has finally come. It is a dream come true for many South Africans. It is true that no one is above the law. Mr Zuma, like many others who have done the country wrong, will finally have a chance to defend himself. For many years, the country waited for such a day after the National Prosecuting Authority dropped all the charges against Zuma. It was a shameful day for the country but today we see a turn of tables. Those who violated and use power should be brought to book and face the consequences of their wrong-doing. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja
Admin
03 Apr, 2018
UDEMWO mourns the passing of the Mother of the Nation
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) joins the nation in mourning the passing of the phenomenal woman of our time. Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is one of the few women (if any) who is admired by most women across the political sphere. Mama lived with the poorest of the poor; she shared so many pains with those forgotten citizens of this country. UDEMWO salutes her for all the hard work and dedication she has displayed for all her life. She was such a humble and down to earth mother of all. Her strong and phenomenal character gave a real definition of a true Mbokodo. Many women around the country and the world were inspired by her spirit. UDEMWO chooses to continue with the legacy of strong and dedicated women for the betterment of this country. We will always remember the role she played during hard times of this country. When she selflessly dedicated her life during apartheid era. In spite of all the hardships she went through, she always wore that beautiful smile. She is without a doubt “The Mother of the Nation”. Rest in peace Mama.
Admin
26 Mar, 2018
UDEMWO welcomes laying of rape charges against Danny Jordaan
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) applauds Jenifer Ferguson for her bravery and boldness for finally laying charges of rape against South African Football Association boss Danny Jordaan. We have been waiting for this day and for all women, this is hope. Ferguson’s step will pave a way for other women to speak up. It goes back to say, ityala aliboli. We continue to be in dismay of how much damage has been done by those in high places. Women in this country have no place of safety. Many women decide to keep quiet after their ordeals because of the stigma and all sorts of ill treatment they get from the society. It is even saddening that someone powerful as Mr Jordaan can be named in such an alleged crime. No one is above the hand of justice and we hope that no stone will be left unturned to reveal the truth. Mr Jordaan has been crying foul. It is his time to prove that he is innocent. We hope that the hand of justice will do its course. UDEMWO, will continue to stand with Jennifer and all other women who continue to endure abuse in the hands of those they trust.
Admin
15 Mar, 2018
UDEMWO: Health department’s abject failure: as mortuary workers continue with strike, bordering on the inhumane
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is extremely concerned over the ongoing, illegal strike by mortuary workers; especially in Gauteng. UDEMWO feels uncomfortable using the phrase: “bodies are piling up”; but that is a hard fact – there is no delicate way to describe this atrocious situation. Families are already distressed over losing their loved ones and are now subjected to a prolonged wait before they can give them a dignified burial. Aside from the morality of what is happening, with forensic pathology officers downing tools; the growing backlog of autopsies has surely degenerated into a health risk. The families must not suffer and continue being in anguish for something that could have been avoided. If the striking workers have been given a final warning to resume their normal duties or face disciplinary action as they are in contradiction of a 2016 Labour Court interdict judgement, why does the powers-that-be tolerate the situation? The Gauteng health department continues to be in the news for all the wrong reasons. If it is not money laundering, it is patients who die because of departmental incompetence (Life Esidimeni); a lack of medical professionals in state hospitals, over-exerted staff, as well a drug shortages, medical supplies and equipment. Without even discussing the merits of the workers’ grievances, enough is enough. The national department of health must act speedily and solve the on-going problem; it is clear that the Gauteng health department is not getting anywhere. Our health departments exist to help those in need but instead, fail at every turn and is in breach of the South African Constitution which clearly states that: “Everyone has the right to have access to health care services”. “Everyone has a right to dignity.” Maybe the Constitution does not go far enough and should include the word “quality”. This is in violation of Human Rights. Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, must pull up his socks, those of his MECs, as well as departmental officials (at both national and provincial levels); those who fail to do their jobs must be given the boot and replaced with competent professionals. Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
27 Feb, 2018
UDEMWO: The Ramaphosa cabinet is an insult to SA women
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is disappointed by President Ramaphosa’s choice of ministers. While we notice with disgust the recycling of the Zuma cabinet nothing would have prepared us for Ms Bathabile Dlamini as the Minister of Women in the Presidency. The fact that the African National Congress (ANC) Women’s League decided to elect her as its president does not necessarily mean that she is capable to do the important work this ministry needs to do. South African women deserve better that this hogwash and the President must realise that elevating Bathabile Dlamini into his office is incomprehensible and a grievous insult to the women of this country. This cabinet reshuffle brings us to the realisation that there is no difference between the Zuma and the Ramaphosa administrations. As former President Zuma once said that the ANC is bigger than the nation. President Ramaphosa is giving a nation recycled persons (some with dubious records) in his effort to keep the so-called unity within the ANC. As far as UDEMWO is concerned, there is no Ministry for Women in South Africa despite the many challenges that women are currently facing in this country. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
30 Jan, 2018
UDEMWO disappointed by the Methodist Church’s reaction on harassment allegations
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) commends the action of the young women who decided to speak out about allegations of harassment they have endured in the hands of the senior steward in the Pretoria Methodist Church. The bravery shown by the young girls gives hope that this country is in the right direction. The country is still stunned by the revelation. The house of God is supposed to be a sacred place for the young and old and the Methodist Church is amongst the respected churches in the Southern Africa. It is even saddening that the very people who are supposed to be protecting women and children are the ones accused of these horrific acts. We were even shocked to see how ignorant women are when it comes to the sensitive issues. On the video that circulated on social media, you can see women singing and some are embarrassed by the actions of these young girls who were brave enough not to keep quiet. If the very same people who are under siege, which are women, are still protecting the perpetrators, how do we expect men to take us serious and value us. We do not wish that anyone endures abuse but if it has not happened to you; do not rejoice when it happens to someone else. If it is not you today, it can be your sister or daughter tomorrow. We cannot fold arms and watch while things are taking another turn. The Methodist Church has played a vital role in the apartheid era. We call upon the Church and all those involved to use the same power to get rid of the perpetrators. We cannot be led by abusers in the house of God. The church must do away with the Omotoso tendencies. To women, continue fighting for your place and speak out against abuse. Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
24 Jan, 2018
Life Esidemeni tragedy has become a “Who dunnit?”
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) notes with frustration and anger the actions of the former Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu in relation to the Life Esidimeni tragedy last year. Ms Mahlangu is clearly trying her best to exculpate herself from any responsibility in this disaster. The finger-pointing is nauseating and no-one in Government seems to take responsibility for what, effectively, had been the murder of 143 mentally-ill patients when they were unlawfully transferred to unregistered NGOs. Listening to the testimonies thus far, it seems that those involved (who form the links in the chain of responsibility) think they all had “done what was expected of them”. For, if they had in fact done what was expected of them, this calamity would not have happened, and the patients would still be alive today. Once it became apparent that something was drastically wrong within the system, those families who placed their faith in the health department had not been given straight answers, but only received the bodies of their loved ones to bury. How powerless they must have felt! Until those found guilty of negligence, face the wrath of law, we cannot rest. Even though the departed cannot be returned to those who love them, someone must be held liable for this inhumane act. Justice must be served and those found guilty of misdeeds and negligence should be arrested and punished.
Admin
02 Dec, 2017
Aids Day 2017
The impact of HIV/Aids (and other sexually transmitted diseases) on South African communities remains a concern. It is true that some progress has been made to make medical care available, to Aids sufferers and HIV positive South Africans, and that antiretroviral treatment is more readily obtainable. We have also seen a slight positive shift in the tolerance of Aids sufferers and HIV positive individuals, but they still face stigmatisation. The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) believes that the, work to convince our people that their sexual behaviour must change, is still as relevant as it was in the past. According to StatsSA the total number of persons living with HIV in South Africa increased from an estimated 4,94 million in 2002 to 7,06 million by 2017. A shocking 12,6% of the total population is estimated to be HIV positive. Aside from the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, promiscuity, especially amongst young people, lead to far too many teenage pregnancies. UDEMWO appeals to the Nation to, if they are sexually active with multiple partners, have themselves regularly tested and abstain from sex, or always use condoms to prevent contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Also, the occurrences of mother to child HIV transmission are preventable. Let us remind ourselves that HIV and Aids are still a stark reality in our communities and that we are responsible for our sexual behaviour. Issued by Ms Thandi Nontenja, UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
24 Nov, 2017
Justice is served: UDEMWO welcomes Christopher Panayiotou’s life sentence
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) is pleased by the life sentence given to Mr Christopher Panayiotou after having been found guilty of murdering his wife. The murder of Ms Jayde Panayiotou is a typical example of how South African women are under siege from those closest to them. The Panayiotou case has dragged on for a very long time and UDEMWO is happy that it has come to an end. This court ruling brings some measure of relief and hope, to the women of this country, that justice can take a correct course, albeit too slow. It is our plea that all cases relating women and children abuse are be prioritised within the entire justice system; from the police straight through to corrections. We also welcome the extension of Mr Oscar Pistorius’ sentence to thirteen years. Justice has once against proved that, some cases don’t get “lost in the system” and that no one is above law. We understand very clearly that sentencing such criminals will never bring back any of the victims, or take away the hurt, but a fair and effective justice system will (at the very least make the perpetrators of women and children abuse pay for their sins on this earth. We keep the families of these women in our prayers. Issued by: Ms Thandi Nontenja, UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
12 Oct, 2017
#Storms: UDEMWO prays for missing flood victims to be found alive
The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) sends a message of condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the terrible heavy storms that have turned havoc in many parts of the country this week. This period is the most difficult one not only to those who have been directly affected by the rains but the country as whole. Indeed, it is a trying time for us as a country. We are relieved that the body of the 18-month-old toddler, Hope Maphumulo, has been recovered. The toddler is amongst those who went missing during this week’s heavy storms. We hope that the toddler’s mother, together with her older sister who are still missing, will be soon found alive and well. We also pray for the 14-year-old Nomthandazo Chili (from Folweni) and 22-month-old Okuhle Kweyama (from Umlazi D Section) and many others who are still missing. We wait in hope that they will be found alive and are reunited with their families. We appeal to the emergency workers and police divers to continue doing everything in their power to locate the missing persons. No one can ever be prepared for the havoc caused by such heavy rains and winds, which saw many losing their lives and others losing all their possessions. This is indeed a national disaster. Statement by: Ms Thandi Nontenja UDEMWO Secretary General
Admin
06 Oct, 2017
#NMURape: security on our university campuses needs urgent attention
Statement issued by Thandi Nontenja – UDEMWO Secretary General The United Democratic Movement Women’s Organisation (UDEMWO) welcomes the arrest of a man suspected of having raped a female student, stabbing another and robbing them at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in the Eastern Cape. It is clear that campus security was compromised with the students being accosted in a lab at the NMU Second Avenue Campus. What is of great concern is that this horrendous incident happened hot on the heels of a hijacking, armed robbery, rape and murder of two NMU students in August 2017. Earlier this year, fellow students killed a Walter Sisulu University (WSU) final-year medical student. In other incidents, also at WSU, a student stabbed his roommate with a bread-knife (August), while a female student was gang-raped whilst a fellow student stripped of his clothes and robbed of his bank card on the premises (in September). Also in early 2017, the University of Zululand abandoned an internal investigation into two senior staff members implicated in the alleged rapes of a student, in three separate incidents. And these are just a few examples of campus crime in 2017 alone. Our institutions of learning have become a playground for rapists, murderers and criminals. There must be a better way of tightening security at our universities and other institutions of learning. It is the responsibility of university managements to ensure that our students are safe in their own spaces; in class, in-between classes and at residences. The Department of Higher Education, together with those in authority positions, must come clean and let parents and students know how they plan to address the scourge of rape and murder on our campuses. End
