UKZN Honours Life and Memory of Zinhle Mchunu, Student Slain in GBV Tragedy
A sombre hall packed with family, friends, lecturers and others, mourned the loss of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) student, Ms Zinhle Mchunu.
Her life was taken during a heinous act of gender-based violence. Scheduled to graduate in May this year, Mchunu had been looking forward to walking the Graduation stage in her black gown to receive a Bachelor of Education degree.
Family spokesperson, Ms Nonzaliseko Madonsela, said Mchunu had worked hard for her degree, only for it to be awarded posthumously.
Madonsela said learning of Mchunu’s passing a month after her disappearance had been traumatic, as they had stayed hopeful and prayed, she would be found alive and unharmed.
Describing their loss, Madonsela said it was like planting a tree and waiting for it to bloom, only for it to be violently plucked from the soil.
Her lecturer, Ms Mari van Wyk, described Mchunu as an individual full of positive energy who created engaging teaching aids, carried a boundless sense of curiosity, connection and direction.
As a student teacher at Sizakahle Public School in Ladysmith, her mentors described her as a well-prepared individual with excellent administrative skills who was a professional, always punctual and full of pride.
She was always well-dressed, built excellent rapport with learners, and made life and natural sciences enjoyable through a learner-centred approach.
The Dean and Head of the School of Education, Professor Emmanuel Mgqwashu, said Mchunu’s death must spark renewed resolve to fight the scourge of gender-based violence, and ensure sustained commitment to action in her honour.
Mgqwashu said that the call to action included communicating about the prevention of GBV, not remaining silent about abuse, establishing communities of safety, and men and boys carrying the responsibility of calling out harmful behaviour, even when masked as jokes.
Dr Ziphozonke Ntshangase, who read a speech on behalf of Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Humanities, said the University as a microcosm of society, was committed to taking stern action against GBV, wherever it occurred.
Mkhize said ending GBV required the rejection of silence and the challenging of harmful attitudes masquerading as entitlement, as women were not property that men could own.
Addressing Mchunu’s parents, Mkhize stated strongly: “Your daughter’s life mattered, her presence mattered, and her dreams mattered. She will be remembered not for the violence that ended her life, but for the promise, warmth, and hope she carried into the community. May we honour her by building a world and a campus where every young woman can live, learn, and graduate safely.”
Mr Andile Ntombela, Chairperson of the Student Representative Council on the Edgewood campus, recalled visiting the Mchunu home on 28 December to pass on their condolences. Ntombela thanked Mgqwashu for making that possible, even though it was during the student vacation, and thanked the Edgewood family for attending the memorial service.
Apologising for the wrongdoing of all men, Reverend Benjamin Khutsoane remarked that South Africa was a wounded nation and he prayed fervently that it would be delivered from the shackles of gender-based violence and femicide.
Words: Hlengiwe Khwela
Photograph: Albert Hirasen
