UMF
The Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation will celebrate a major milestone in the fight against gender-based violence on Saturday when it hosts an event in East London on Saturday to mark its fifth anniversary.
In a statement the Foundation said the event at Buffalo Park starts at 5pm, adopting the theme; “Five years of resilience, honouring Uyinene, a lifetime of change”.
The young University of Cape Town student, who hailed from the Eastern Cape, was tragically killed in 2019, with the perpetrator receiving a life sentence.
“Uyinene's untimely death sparked national and global conversations about the prevalence of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), and her legacy continues to drive efforts to combat this scourge.
“Through the Foundation, Uyinene’s memory has inspired transformative change and a committed movement that strives to create a society free from GBVF,” the UMF said.
The Foundation was founded in 2019 to honour her life and continue her legacy by tackling the issue of GBVF through three key pillars: prevention, support, and youth development.
UCT deputy vice-chancellor, Professor Elelwani Ramugondo, will be the guest speaker.
Uyinene’s mother, Nomangwane Mrwetyana, said the Foundation is a testament to the “spirit” of her daughter, and the collective resilience of all who strive to eradicate gender-based violence.
The UMF said the fifth-anniversary celebration will:
* Reflect on Uyinene's legacy and the Foundation’s journey in combating GBVF.
* Celebrate the contributions of partners and supporters who have played a crucial role in driving the Foundation's mission forward.
* Elevate public awareness around GBVF and encourage individuals to engage in efforts to end this violence.
* Chart a course for the Foundation’s future work as it continues to advocate for justice, education, and collective action.
