By Charmaine Ndlela
A University of the Free State (UFS) student who brandished a poster saying “All men should die” during a gender-based violence (GBVF) protest has ignited a backlash on campus and online.
The 15-minute demonstration took place on Friday in front of the university’s main building, during nationwide anti-GBVF protests prior to the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
The female student stood alone, holding the handwritten sign, drawing attention from passers-by, before images and videos of the scene were posted on social media.
Her message quickly went viral, fuelled by reposts from prominent online figures. The post drew thousands of reactions and spurred heated debate about safety, GBVF, double standards and freedom of expression.
The university, one day later, issued an official statement distancing itself from the message.
The university said it was responding to “a widely circulated social media post depicting an individual holding protest placards with offensive and
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
