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511 Mangosuthu Highway

Umlazi

KwaZulu-Natal

4031

www.mut.ac.za

MUT Takes a stand Against Xenophobia and

Gender-Based Violence

Unfortunately, sexual and gender-based violence and xenophobic attacks on foreign

nationals are rampant in our society. MUT joins the many voices in condemning these

actions. We are committed to contributing to heightened awareness of the harmful

effects of these acts and to support national efforts and campaigns to stop them.

We desire an environment in which our students and staff live, work and study in

a safe environment without constant fear and intimidation. At the same time, as an

organisation with a globalised academic mission, which values its relations with

institutions and communities across the globe, we condemn all acts of xenophobia.

The stance of the MUT leadership against sexual and Gender-Based Violence

and xenophobia within the University is unequivocal. Gender-Based Violence and

xenophobic attacks are not acceptable. Condemnation needs to be constant and

consistent and perpetrators need to be prosecuted. We are committed to doing

everything in our power to minimize the scourge within the University and to support

those who have been affected. We are committed to enhancing measures to support

survivors and ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted under the law. We are

reviewing the University policies to align with the national policy framework to address

gender-based violence in the post-school education and training system.

We caution that public naming and shaming of alleged perpetrators of sexual and

Gender-Based Violence, particularly on social media, is not legal. It is understandable

for victims to feel that the legal system is not prompt in offering support and protection to

victims and in prosecuting offenders. But naming and shaming is inefficient in bringing

perpetrators to justice and can cause harm to innocent people, including the victims.