UJ Students Rally at SABC Headquarters Demanding Justice for Seven-Year-Old ‘Cwecwe’

In a demonstration of solidarity and activism, students from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) marched from their Auckland Park Campus to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) headquarters. The protest aimed to draw national attention to the case of a seven-year-old girl, affectionately known as ‘Cwecwe,’ who was allegedly assaulted at Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. ​

The incident, which reportedly occurred in October 2024, has sparked widespread outrage and led to the social media campaign #JusticeForCwecwe. Critics have pointed to the school’s purported lack of cooperation with law enforcement and inadequate support for the victim’s family as major concerns. In response to mounting public pressure, the Eastern Cape Department of Education announced the deregistration of Bergview College on 1 April 2025, citing failure to provide a safe environment for students.​

[ICYMI] Students from tertiary education institutions march to the SABC headquarters in Auckland Park to protest the alleged rape of a 7-year-old child. SABC News' Mlunghisi Shivamba received their memorandum. pic.twitter.com/S9c6ehJIFt

— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 4, 2025

During the march, UJ students handed over a memorandum to SABC representatives, urging the media to intensify coverage of the case and hold authorities accountable. The students emphasized the need for swift justice and systemic reforms to ensure the safety of children in educational institutions.​

The #JusticeForCwecwe movement continues to gain momentum, with various public figures and organizations joining the call for justice. Planned demonstrations, including a march in Cape Town, aim to keep the spotlight on the case and advocate for enhanced child protection measures nationwide.​