Taletso TVET College student leader Onalenna Molelekwa stood before more than one thousand students and told a story many in the hall recognised but few have ever had the courage to speak about. Her voice was steady but heavy with memory as she described the pain she has carried since her own experience of GBV, an experience that shaped the tone and emotion of the college’s GBV and femicide awareness launch in Lehurutshe, Zeerust.
The event was supported by the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA), Ramazwi Security Services and Training Agency, the Commission for Gender Equality and officials from the North West government. Although the day was framed as a campaign, it became a moment of collective witnessing as Molelekwa told her story.
She stood representing the SRC and said she wanted her truth to remind survivors that they are not alone. She began by quoting Maya Angelou: “Silence makes the perpetrator continue the abuse without accountability”.
Molelekwa said GBV does not only affect women. It affects all people whose gender identity becomes a target. But when she switched from explaining the issue to sharing her own experience, the hall went quiet.
“To me, it’s a pain that refuses to subside. I was violated, and when I went to seek help, my cries fell in deaf ears. I was manipulated into thinking that I am the one at fault. I was manipulated to think what was done to me was right. They tried to silence me, but I refused to be voiceless when I had a voice,” she said.
Students leaned forward as she continued. “I am going to stand up for what is right even when it’s hard, and now I understand why victims are scared to come out.”
Her account struck at the heart of why the college declared a strong stance against GBV. Many of the students in the hall were hearing their own fears mirrored back.
Molelekwa said GBV is widespread across higher education, and many cases remain concealed. She referenced national statistics that show high levels of emotional, sexual and physical violence among college and university students. She reminded the hall of UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana and others whose stories are known because their lives ended. She asked students to hold space for those whose stories continue in silence.
“Stand tall and do not let your voice be muffled by the weight of doubt and disbelief. Do not let the weight of marginalisation go deaf. If the world around you is deaf, know that I hear you, I see you, and I believe you,” she said.
Students rose to their feet and applauded for several seconds.
Before the address, students had marched peacefully through the campus wearing white T-shirts with messages calling GBV a crime. They held placards that read support GBV victims, stop GBV, action breaks silence, and enough is enough.
Taletso TVET College CFO Samuel Ramalapa welcomed the support from SASSETA and said the college wants to build a culture that protects the dignity and safety of all students. He said GBV requires collective action and that the values they teach must extend beyond academics.
“Our partner has made this campaign possible. Your commitment to building a safer community and empowering young people reflect the values we wish to instill in our students. Values of dignity, respect, equality and accountability,” he said.
Life coach Thumile Moyo reminded the students that a woman is killed every three hours in South Africa. He said too many victims die at the hands of people they know. “When we talk of GBV it is a national issue that affects families and communities. It is important for all to know what consent is. Someone must understand that a no means no, a yes means no,” he said.
Commission for Gender Equality representative Tsholofelo Sebola told students that change depends on their voices. She said no institution can address GBV alone. Collaboration and courage are essential.
“You are the generation that can redefine gender relations, challenge patriarchy and create a culture of equality and mutual respect. When you speak up, when you stand together, and when you refuse to normalise violence, you are building the South Africa that we all dream of,” she said.
SASSETA acting brand chairperson Eric Tshilambavhunwa said men in particular must take responsibility. “A man is a protector and a provider to a woman case closed. We have become monsters who kill the very same people who we ought to protect,” he said.
Ramazwi CEO Victor Ramambila said the turnout proved the message had reached young people who want to act. SASSETA executive Juwayria Amod said the goal is to reach thousands of students, lecturers, security officers and community members to ensure people know how to respond when GBV occurs.
Taletso Lichtenburg campus student Micky Buthelezi said the campaign reminded students to respect others regardless of sexual orientation. He said he hopes the campaign becomes a regular programme. But the day belonged to Molelekwa, whose story revealed the personal cost of silence. Her voice carried the message of the event more than any poster or statistic could.
“I hear you. I see you. And I believe you,” she said again as she stepped away from the podium, leaving the hall in the kind of stillness that usually follows truth.
