This week marks five years since the tragic passing of Uyinene Mrwetyana.
On 24 August 2019, the 19-year-old UCT student was raped and killed after collecting a package from the Clareinch Post Office in 2019. Her convicted killer, Luyanda Botha – a former postal worker – confessed to the crime and was subsequently served with three life sentences. However, he has since returned to the dock for an unrelated attempted rape case dating to 2014.
Mrwetyana’s murder led to nationwide protests and a national shutdown against gender-based violence and femicide. Mother, Nomangwane Mrwetyana co-founded the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation (UMF) to honour her daughter and help end the country’s second pandemic; gender-based violence and femicide.
She has told Smile 90.4FM that she is filled with painful reminders each year when the anniversary of “Nene’s” death approaches.
“It is still very difficult, because every August it feels like you are just going back to a place of sadness and hurt. However, with the work of the foundation, you find a sense of purpose in the work that one is doing. I would say that the past 5 years have really been a rollercoaster. One minute you think you have moved on. The next minute, there are a lot of triggers along the way.”
KEY PARTNERSHIPS HAVE BEEN FORMED
To commemorate her daughter’s passing, the UMF is partnering with the University of Cape Town, Langa for Men, and the Makazole Mapimpi Foundation by hosting a powerful walk to Parliament.
“UCT has been with us on this journey, and we are very happy to see the Makazole Mapimpi Foundation coming on board. In 2019, when South Africa played in the Rugby World Cup and Makazole Mapimpi scored that first try, he paid tribute to Uyinene. I believe a deep connection was formed in that moment, seeing someone on international TV say, ‘I stand with this family,'” said an emotional Mrwetyana.
The walk against gender-based violence and femicide will be held under the theme “Eliminate the Fear: Prioritising Safety and Security.”
Date: Saturday, 24 August 2024
Location: 10 Darling Street, to Parliament
Time: 08h30
