Shock and support for woman arrested for naked protest at Union Buildings
Shock, outrage and support dominated social media as a former Unisa staff member was arrested for staging a naked protest at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday.
#GuguNcube trended on social media as video footage of a woman being forcefully removed by the police went viral.
The woman, identified as Gugu Ncube, carried a placard that read, "The police are used to intimidate, threaten and harass me. I was raped and sexually harassed.
"I am a victim of sexual harassment at UNISA. They claim that I resigned, I never resigned. They chased me away from work because I refused to sleep with my manager."
#GuguNcube When will this country understand our sisters , mother's and daughters. Offer your shoulders for them to rest their tears, as this was not self inflicted but brought upon by a human being!! Now you arrest her????π£ pic.twitter.com/oHYW6U20cq
— Mack Rapapali (@MackRapapali) March 13, 2019
In a statement, Unisa said, "The University has noted with regret and great concern the intention by a former employee of the external company that was previously sponsored by Unisa, called the Unisa Centre for Early Childhood Education (UCECE), Ms Gugulethu Ncube, to stage a one woman protest at the Union Buildings"
The university claims that this was not the first time Ncube "misconstrued" the matter.
Support, shock and outrage trended on Twitter as the video was widely circulated
Gugu Ncube who staged a nude protest at the Union Buildings today due to alleged sexual abuse she experienced at UNISA has been arrested by the SAPS π³
— Gordon Ramaphosa (@Biophonik1) March 13, 2019
Sexually harrasment is real
WOMEN cant even get a job without being asked to sleep with someone π₯
Its sad #GuguNcube pic.twitter.com/PVqDa9AKHz
We are not safe π’π’ #GuguNcube
— Melanin (@MelaninBunny99) March 13, 2019
#GuguNcube this thing is sad. Worrying is how the party that claims it's for the people isn't saying a word. Despicable conduct (even lack thereof) from @unisa @GovernmentZA. What a time to be alive πππ
— Nceba S. Radebe (@RulzKay1) March 13, 2019
While the rest of the world is progressing towards the reconstruction of women empowerment , the University of South Africa has chosen not only to be a patriarchy but also to be a safe haven of men who abuse women. #GuguNcube
— Kealeboga Majane (@MsK_Majane) March 13, 2019
#GuguNcube is a heroine. You know why? She just single handedly debunked the myth that institutions of higher learning are professional and / or safe spaces.
— #JustSam (@BeynonSammy) March 13, 2019
They are not.
They're often very violent spaces. Especially for black, female and non binary bodies / people.
Those who accuse this woman of lying or seeking attention...
— SHAKURR πΏπ¦ (@LuyandaPotwana) March 13, 2019
Would you say the same if this was your sister...your girlfriend or even your mother? #GuguNcube pic.twitter.com/pydNgEAvQs
#GuguNcube I say we woman must organize ourselves and be naked in solidarity to Gugu...I am in
— Shirz (@MashTR) March 13, 2019
Today, Gugu stood up for all female employees who get sexually assaulted daily by βpowerfulβ men. #GuguNcube
— I am Gugu Ncube βπΎ (@_kanjalo) March 13, 2019