Wits 2025 Protest: Powerful Student Action Against Gender-Based Harm

What Sparked the Wits 2025 Protest

In early November 2025, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg became the center of a powerful student protest. The outcry began when a student publicly accused a newly elected SRC member of rape. The revelation spread quickly through social media, prompting immediate outrage and demands for justice.

Students gathered on campus, calling for decisive action from university leadership. Their message was clear: gender-based harm could no longer be met with silence or bureaucratic delays.

The Role of the Student Representative Council (SRC)

The SRC serves as the voice of students in governance, representing thousands of learners in key university decisions. The fact that an SRC member was implicated in the alleged assault intensified the outrage, as it touched the core of trust between student leaders and their peers.

Protesters argued that leadership roles must embody integrity and accountability. Many called for stricter vetting of SRC candidates and the introduction of gender-sensitivity training for all elected representatives.

Timeline of Events at Wits University, November 2025

• Friday evening (8:30 PM): A student posts on social media accusing a recently elected SRC member of rape.

• Saturday–Sunday: The post circulates rapidly; calls for action flood Twitter and campus forums.

• Monday night: Hundreds of students march from campus through Braamfontein, chanting against gender-based violence.

• Tuesday: The accused SRC member is suspended pending a Gender Equity Office (GEO) investigation.

• Wednesday: Wits releases an official statement reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on gender-based harm.

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This swift escalation shows how digital platforms amplify accountability and mobilize activism faster than ever before.

Gender-Based Violence in South African Universities

South Africa’s universities have long struggled with gender-based violence (GBV). Studies indicate that as many as 1 in 3 female students experience some form of sexual harassment or assault during their studies.

The Wits 2025 protest is part of a broader struggle to make campuses safer and more equitable. It mirrors national movements demanding transparent investigations, victim support, and institutional accountability.

Wits University’s Official Response

Wits University responded by suspending the accused SRC member and handing the matter to its Gender Equity Office (GEO) for formal investigation.

In its public statement, Wits emphasized that “the university condemns gender-based harm in all its forms and encourages anyone affected to come forward.” The administration also reminded students of available resources such as 24/7 crisis counselling, live-chat support, and confidential reporting portals.

Voices from the Protest

The student march was powerful yet peaceful. Protesters carried placards reading “No More Silence” and “Accountability Now.” Some shared personal testimonies of survival, breaking long-held silences about GBV on campus.

A third-year student was quoted saying, “We are not just fighting for one case, we’re fighting for every woman who has ever been silenced.”

Public and Media Reactions

Media outlets including SABC News, Times LIVE, and Sowetan LIVE covered the protest extensively. Social media hashtags like #WitsProtest2025, #EndGBV, and #JusticeForSurvivors trended nationally.

Public figures and activists praised the students for standing up against injustice, framing the protest as part of South Africa’s broader feminist movement.

Comparing Wits 2025 with Past University Protests

The Wits 2025 protest recalls earlier movements such as #FeesMustFall and #RUReferenceList, where students challenged institutional injustices. While previous protests focused on financial and academic inclusion, the 2025 uprising centers on safety, respect, and gender justice.

This shift shows how student activism continues to evolve, adapting to new challenges and societal priorities.

Moving Forward: Policy and Cultural Change at Wits

The events of November 2025 have already prompted calls for policy reform. Students demand stronger preventive education, transparent reporting, and mandatory consent training for all new students and leaders.

Creating a culture of accountability means embedding safety and respect into every level of university life, from residences to lecture halls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What triggered the Wits 2025 protest? A student’s public accusation of rape against an SRC member.

2. Was the protest peaceful? Yes, students marched peacefully from campus into Braamfontein, dispersing late that night.

3. How did Wits respond? The SRC member was suspended and the Gender Equity Office began investigating the allegation.

4. What resources exist for survivors? Students can contact the 24/7 crisis line or the Gender Equity Office for confidential support.

5. Has this type of protest happened before? Yes, Wits and other South African universities have seen similar movements demanding justice for survivors.

6. What’s next for Wits? Policy reviews and stronger prevention campaigns are expected as the GEO concludes its investigation.

Student Voices, Institutional Change, and Hope for the Future

The Wits 2025 protest stands as a defining moment in student activism, proving that the pursuit of justice and safety can unite a community. It highlights both the resilience of survivors and the power of collective action in reshaping institutional culture.

As investigations continue, one message rings clear: students will no longer tolerate silence in the face of gender-based harm.