CIDA Foundation Year Anti-Rape March

In the light of recent horrifying stories hitting the news about rape and sexual violence, CIDA’s Foundation Year students took up their banners to show their support for the women of South Africa. 

Photos courtesy of KG

Foundation Year students take to the streets to protest against rape and violence against women 

It was a significant day not only for foundation students, but for the entire CIDA City Campus family. A fresh morning with a chilly breeze wasn’t enough to cool the determination of students to make their voices heard.

This 8^th March, students came out in numbers to support the beginning of a new era in the fight against rape and violence through speeches, poems, drama and music which left the participants better informed of the consequences this scourge reaps on South African women and girls.

The South African Police Service turned out to protect the marchers, and Radio 702 and Soweto TV came to report on it. They listened and joined the students in voicing their opinions to fight rape and violence against women and children.

Mrs J. Peters, Foundation Year English teacher, thanked the guests for their presence, saying “Rape and violence is still a serious issue in our country and we need to fight it together.”

"Themba" a BBA students and a rape survivor shared her story, and talked of how she refuses to be called a victim, instead referring to herself as vivacious and beautiful.  Her spirit, strength and internal power are evident when she talks. One could never guess she had been raped given the confidence she continues to exude and how her outgoing personality continues to shine, undiminished by her experiences; she is a true example of strength, hope and the spirit of survival.

Some students also put on a couple of short dramas depicting common rape scenarios, exploring some of the common situations in which rape can occur, and how the characters reacted and coped with the aftermath.   

Foundation Year students then took to song, giving a moving rendition of “Africa Why”, and “Senzenina” before marching, placards waving, through Lyndhurst before finally returning to the Campus.  It was a meaningful day of regaining power, making our voices heard and telling South Africa that the CIDA City Campus family will continue, tooth and nail to fight against rape and violence.

The march generated several news reports, such as this one from the Alex News.