The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande, is deeply saddened and has conveyed his deepest condolences to the family, friends and students of the University of Cape Town, following the murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana.
“I trust that our criminal justice system will ensure the speedy apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for this dastardly act. To this end we are pleased to hear that a suspect has been apprehended and apparently confessed to the murder of Uyinene”, said Minister Nzimande.
“Such acts continue to pose a challenge to our law enforcement agencies and society broadly. I therefore denounce such barbaric and shameful acts against women, both in our institutions of learning and in society in general. Our society cannot continue another day harbouring such disgraceful people, who are hell-bent on destroying the moral fibre of our society,” said the Minister.
The Minister said that the Department of Higher Education and Training, remains committed to creating a safer and caring Post School Education and Training environment, with a concerted focus on safety and protection of all on our campuses, in particular female students and staff.
“As a department we are therefore engaging all stakeholders to improve campus security. We are working with the Ministerial Task Team appointed to advise me on issues of sexual harassment and gender-based violence and harm at universities”, confirmed Minister Nzimande.
The Minister further said that the Department of Higher Education and Training has mandated the Higher Education and Training Health, Wellness and Development Centre (HEAIDS), a programme of the department, to implement a gender-based violence programme in university and TVET college campuses to mitigate the problem on campuses.
The Minister is adding his voice to societal mobilisation to defeat the scourge of gender-based violence across all sectors of society.
“By working together, by confronting difficult challenges, and by mobilising everyone in and around our institutions, we shall create a society where everyone, especially women, feel safe and are safe at all times and in all places,” said the Minister.
Minister Nzimande has mandated the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Mr Buti Manamela, to liase directly with Uyinene’s family and also to attend the funeral this weekend, on behalf of the Ministry.
Enquiries:
Ishmael Mnisi
Ministerial Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 066 037 8859
E-mail: Ishmael.Mnisi@dst.gov.za
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