Students celebrate Human Rights Day by saying ‘no’ to GBV during Seshwalk

A group of 38 students celebrated Human Rights Day on 21 March 2023 by marching against gender-based violence (GBV) in Potchefstroom. Students from the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom campus were joined by former students from the University of South Africa, the University of the Witwatersrand and members of the Sisterhood Foundation to participate in Seshwalk South Africa.

Law student Atang Swartbooi started the annual Seshwalk in 2021. “Sesh” is slang for “session”. Swartbooi said that he wanted the walk to be a session where people could discuss GBV. He came up with the idea to raise awareness about GBV after witnessing his mother being abused by her former partner. “I decided to take a stand against GBV by being a social justice activist who strives to educate young men about gender-based violence so that we can contribute towards the eradication thereof.”

The walk commenced at 10:00 outside of CampusKey student accommodation in Jooste Street. Participants then continued the walk to SUPERSPAR Potchefstroom on the corner of Albert Luthuli and Steve Biko Street. Lucia Thobela, CampusKey’s social responsibility mentor, said that Seshwalk reached out to CampusKey for assistance. “As Campus Key, we are always willing to help with any social and current affairs issues that affect our society.” 

While playing music and dancing, participants approached pedestrians to create awareness by sharing information about topics such as emotional abuse, victim blaming, consent, coercion and rape apology. 

The walk was cut short when members of the police responded to a complaint and stopped the march outside of SUPERSPAR. The police told participants the walk was causing a disturbance. Thobela said, “I think that the police have more issues to worry about than a walk.”

Xavien Myles, social justice and human rights activist, said being stopped by the police did not come as a surprise to him. “Going against convention will have its backlash. It is just unfortunate that the backlash came from the ones that pledge to serve and protect.”

After the police stopped the walk, participants returned to CampusKey where they were addressed by social justice and human rights activist Boitumelo Thage. Thage said that coming together and walking for this cause is a big part of creating change. “GBV is a cancer in our society and we cannot continue allowing our communities to be danger zones for women and children… Spreading awareness educates society and allows those who are not aware of their surroundings to become aware.”

Myles spoke about the importance of creating awareness of GBV. “The movement against GBV is not just something you can switch on and off, it is a lifestyle. You do not need to talk in front of hundreds of people [to make a difference]. By calling out a perpetrator or speaking to a survivor, you are doing something.”

Members from the Sisterhood Foundation, a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), also participated in the walk. The founder, Nthila Sello Kalaba, said that attending the walk was the perfect opportunity to make a difference on Human Rights Day. “We deal with these issues [GBV] most of the time with the NPO, so it was relatable and I saw a perfect chance to change someone’s life,” Kabala said. 

Although Seshwalk was cut short, Swartbooi still considers it a success. Myles agreed and said, “I am glad we reached them [pedestrians] and had a moment to educate them. We planted a seed that will hopefully flourish in this community.”