Admin
21 Oct, 2025
CPUT: campuses are no safe haven, as another student is raped
Statement by Lucia Matomane, UDESMO Eastern Cape Provincial Chairperson The United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO) is dismayed and angered by the alleged rape of a 23-year-old female student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Observatory residence. It is unacceptable that such a violent crime could be committed against a student in an environment meant for learning and personal growth. No student should ever feel unsafe or be sexually targeted in a space that is supposed to nurture their future. UDESMO extends its heartfelt sympathies to the victim, her family, and the wider CPUT student community during this deeply distressing time. Sexual violence has no place in our society, and least of all on our university campuses. It is especially troubling that this incident has occurred so close to the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness and driving action against the very crimes we continue to witness. Sadly, this case is one of many in a country where gender-based violence remains one of South Africa’s most urgent human rights crises, marked by shocking levels of abuse, rape, and femicide. It has been reported that a 24-year-old male student has been arrested in connection with the incident and has already appeared before the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court. We understand that the case has been postponed to 27 October for a formal bail application. UDESMO commends the courage of the CPUT students who have peacefully taken to the streets to demand justice and accountability. Their actions reflect the growing frustration of young South Africans who continue to feel unsafe and unheard.
Admin
13 May, 2025
UDESMO mourns the tragic loss of Banoyolo Krakra
Statement by Lucia Matomane, UDESMO Eastern Cape Provincial Chairperson The United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO) expresses deep sorrow and outrage at the murder of Banoyolo Krakra, a beloved student at Lovedale TVET College and a proud member of our student community. Banoyolo was a committed young woman who was pursuing an NCV Level 2 qualification in Generic Management. She showed remarkable responsibility and compassion by using her NSFAS funds to support her family before returning to her studies. Her brutal killing is a cruel and senseless act that has robbed her family, community, and our country of a promising life and future leader. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Krakra family and to all who knew and loved Banoyolo. Their pain is also our pain. UDESMO stands in solidarity with them during this time of unimaginable grief and we will support their call for justice every step of the way. This tragedy is yet another painful reminder of the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide crisis that continues to destroy lives, particularly those of young women. We call on the South African Police Service to leave no stone unturned in their investigation and to ensure that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice. UDESMO also calls on Lovedale TVET College to prioritise student safety and to ensure that adequate trauma counselling is made available to Banoyolo’s classmates who are reeling from this devastating loss. Although Banoyolo was not found on campus, her body was discovered on Cambridge Street in Qonce, near a local tavern, by a patrolling security officer. She had suffered stab wounds to her upper body. This tragic incident highlights the broader safety concerns affecting students beyond campus boundaries and demands urgent attention from institutions and law enforcement alike. Banoyolo’s life mattered. Her memory will live on in our commitment to fight for safer campuses and communities. May her soul rest in peace. We will never forget her.
Admin
26 Apr, 2025
UDESMO welcomes Jafta Commission at WSU but calls for broader student issues to be addressed
Statement by Manyano Njikela, UDESMO Branch Chairperson at Walter Sisulu University The United Democratic Students’ Movement (UDESMO) in the Eastern Cape notes and welcomes the appointment of retired Justice Chris Jafta to lead the Commission of Inquiry into the serious events that have recently taken place at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) including the tragic shootings of students Sisonke Mbolekwa, Ntando Gqetywa, and Lizwa Ndzumo on 15 April 2025. We commend the University Council for invoking Section 7(2)(n) of the Institutional Statute of 2024, which allows the Council to establish a Commission of Inquiry into matters that pose significant risks to the institution. We trust the Commission will carry out its work independently and thoroughly. While we appreciate the urgent response by the University Council and welcome the scope of the Commission, especially its focus on issues of security, student safety, governance and allegations of violence, we are deeply concerned that the broader struggles of students are not being fully addressed. In particular, we call on the university and the Commission to investigate the root causes of student protests and unrest, including the painful issue of students from poor families being deregistered due to financial exclusion. This is a national crisis that continues to deny young South Africans their right to education and a better future. The UDESMO in the Eastern Cape therefore believes that the Jafta Commission must go beyond the incidents of violence and look at the full picture of student experiences at WSU, including academic exclusion, poor living conditions, lack of psychosocial support and the WSU’s response to student grievances. We hope the Jafta Commission will be a turning point, not just for accountability, but for lasting change that puts students first and ensures our institutions of higher learning are safe, inclusive and fair.
