SAPS arrest students at Rhodes despite VC pleas

by | Apr 20, 2016 | News

Five protestors were arrested in Grahamstown early this morning following ongoing protests related to the #RUReferenceList despite pleas from the vice chancellor for their release. The arrests happened after local police used stun grenades, rubber bullets and pepper spray to disperse a number of “illegal” gatherings at various entrances to the university. A statement released by Grahamstown SAPS (South African Police Services) says that the five “suspects” “face charges relating to the Gatherings Act and will appear in the Grahamstown Magistrates court shortly”.

In a video showing the arrested protestors in the back of a police van, Rhodes vice chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela is seen pleading with police and is heard saying: “Please release them, it’s going to cause problems”, while police use rubber bullets to ward off students close to the van. One of the protestors had a panic attack in the back of the van and seen being calmed by someone standing outside.

Speaking to the camera, Mabizela said, “I begged them, I begged them to release the students, there is no reason why they should take the students”. According to Mabizela, the police argued that they could arrest the protestors despite his requests as they were gathered on a public road.

The arrests are not related to the “Naked Protests” which took place at the university yesterday. During that gathering, about 150 women went topless to show their support for the ongoing #RUReferenceList protests.

The women took off their tops to reinforce the message that that despite being naked, they (the women) were, “still not asking for it”.

The so-called #RUReferenceList protests were sparked on Sunday, April 17, after Chapter 2.12 campaign posters about rape culture were taken down on campus. In response to this a list of alleged rapists on campus was circulated via social media and angry students then attempted to confront the individuals whose names appeared on the #RUReferenceList. The university responded by calling in local police to ensure the safety of the individuals named.

Students took to social media to accuse Rhodes University of being ineffective in dealing with rape cases by shaming victims and protecting perpetrators.

*Featured image courtesy Activate Online.

Slice of life: The realities of white privilege

by | Apr 19, 2016 | Opinion

Why is it that the mere mention of white privilege elicits fervent denialism, exposing the fragility of whiteness?

Privilege is something intangible that white people need to, but don’t quite understand and acknowledge. Understanding how racism has been internalised and is being perpetuated is a critical and necessary first step to achieving equality in society.

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Students to “shut down” Rhodes over alleged rapists

by | Apr 18, 2016 | News

Students at Rhodes University have resumed their “shutdown” of the institution after expressing dissatisfaction with the university’s handling of the so-called #RUReferenceList. The list, purportedly naming alleged rapists at the university was circulated widely on social media on Sunday evening leading to disruptions on the campus as students tried to confront many of the men whose names appeared on the list.

Earlier today, the protesting students were addressed by Rhodes vice chancellor, Dr Sizwe Mabizela. According to reports by local student newspaper, Activate, Mabizela told the gathering that nothing could be done about the people whose names appeared on the list as they were not charged.

The newspaper reports that the protestors have resolved to continue with their attempts to “shutdown” the institution over the list which includes the name of a member of the Rhodes Student Representatives Council (SRC). Within the last two hours, groups of students have started erecting barricades on parts of the campus.

 

The #RUReferencelist was apparently circulated after pamphlets raising awareness about sexual assault and violence around campus were taken down.

 


On Sunday night, after the list circulated on social media, students attempted to locate some of the individuals in their residences. The university brought in the local police to ensure the safety of the men accused of rape. Earlier this morning, the protest mushroomed and extended to the disruption of some academic classes.

Reactions to the publication of the Rhodes ‘Reference List’ have garnered mixed reactions. While some are celebrating the bravery of the women who named their alleged perpetrators, others are calling it a dangerous act of vigilante justice.