- The Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation marked its fifth anniversary, reflecting on its journey of fighting gender-based violence and empowering youth.
- The Foundation’s initiatives include annual lectures, GBV walks, and youth-focused programmes aimed at fostering awareness and change.
- Looking ahead, UMF plans to expand its reach through a GBV-focused app and continued collaborations to combat systemic violence.
The Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation (UMF) commemorated its fifth anniversary on Monday 2 December, A virtual event held at at Buffalo Park Cricket Ground in East London themed “Five Years of Resilience, Honouring Uyinene, A Lifetime of Change,” the event reflected on the Foundation’s achievements and ongoing efforts in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Established in 2019 after the brutal murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana, a UCT student, the Foundation was created to address the systemic issues of gender-based violence. The tragedy, which sparked national and international outrage, led to the Foundation’s mission to prevent GBVF, support survivors and empower youth.
Reflecting on the past five years, UMF Managing Director Thobeka Msengana said the journey has been one of both challenges and triumphs. She emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving the Foundation’s goals. “The past five years have been filled with both challenges and triumphs. UMF has been at the forefront of GBV initiatives, tirelessly raising awareness and driving meaningful change,” Msengana said. Over the years, the UMF has implemented various initiatives to combat GBV.
Highlights
The Annual Commemorative Lecture, hosted in collaboration with Kingswood College, has become a key platform to honour Uyinene’s legacy, featuring prominent speakers such as Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka.
Another highlight is the Annual GBV Walks in East London and Cape Town, which have seen growing participation from students and community members.
The Foundation has also focused on educational outreach, hosting Youth Imbizo programmes in partnership with schools across the Eastern Cape.
These sessions aim to educate young people about the causes and effects of GBV.
Additionally, UMF launched a soccer team to create safe spaces for boys to develop positive masculinity and life skills.
Looking to the future, the Foundation plans to roll out a GBV-focused mobile app in collaboration with Spar, which will initially target universities.
This initiative aims to enhance accessibility to resources for those affected by GBV.
Legacy
Nomangwane Mrwetyana, co-founder of the foundation and Uyinene’s mother, reflected on the significance of the milestone.
“As we mark five years, we not only remember Uyinene’s light but honour her legacy by turning pain into purpose. Our work stands as a testament to collective resilience in eradicating GBV,” she said.
The event’s keynote speaker, Prof Elelwani Ramugondo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Transformation at UCT, emphasized the importance of sustained efforts. “True transformation requires persistence and a unified voice against GBVF. The Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation has demonstrated how resilience can lead to impactful change,” she noted.
Collaboration remains central to UMF’s work. The Foundation partners with organisations such as Masimanyane Women’s Rights International, the Makazole Mapimpi Foundation, and Langa for Men, underscoring the need for collective action to address systemic violence.
As the UMF moves forward, it remains committed to expanding its impact and engaging communities in its vision of a society free from GBVF.
