Dear Campus Community
Today dozens of sunflowers should have illuminated the home of the young lady who dreamt of becoming a preacher. In addition to celebrating her 21st birthday, she should have been preparing for her final examination, which would have seen her complete her theology degree at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
Instead, her family is still trying to come to terms with the fact that their sunshine had been taken from them – murdered in 2019. Her death paralysed the UWC community, who came together in the Main Hall to pay tribute to the “loving” young woman who cared so much for others.
Her untimely death and that of UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana as well as countless other women at the time forced the country to face the scourge of Gender Based Violence (GBV). Jesse wanted to change the world by helping others – by educating our communities about GBV and trying to find solutions we can help fulfil her dream. South Africa should not be a country where women live in constant fear. It should be a place where girls can reach their full potential unhindered by violence and peace reign at home.
Sunflowers were Jesse’s favourite flowers. It represents happiness, hope and devotion. It embodies everything young Jesse was. May we always celebrate her life and the positive contribution she made in the lives of so many in her 19 years with us.
Today, we mark Jesse's 21st birthday with her family - who also lost her grandfather Christopher Lategan in the same incident - by remembering our continued commitment and efforts in the fight against GBV.
I ask you to light a candle during this virtual commemoration for Jesse and all those who have lost their lives to this scourge.
WATCH: Jesse’s family and the UWC community pay tribute to her (Premiering at 1pm)
YouTube: http://bit.ly/JesseHess
Facebook: https://bit.ly/FB-UWC-Live
Read: Cherith Sanger, Faculty of Law lecturer from the Department of Criminal Justice & Procedure, discusses the scourge of Gender Based Violence and the Criminal Justice System.
Yours faithfully
Prof Tyrone Pretorius
Rector and Vice-Chancellor
Today dozens of sunflowers should have illuminated the home of the young lady who dreamt of becoming a preacher. In addition to celebrating her 21st birthday, she should have been preparing for her final examination, which would have seen her complete her theology degree at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
Instead, her family is still trying to come to terms with the fact that their sunshine had been taken from them – murdered in 2019. Her death paralysed the UWC community, who came together in the Main Hall to pay tribute to the “loving” young woman who cared so much for others.
Her untimely death and that of UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana as well as countless other women at the time forced the country to face the scourge of Gender Based Violence (GBV). Jesse wanted to change the world by helping others – by educating our communities about GBV and trying to find solutions we can help fulfil her dream. South Africa should not be a country where women live in constant fear. It should be a place where girls can reach their full potential unhindered by violence and peace reign at home.
Sunflowers were Jesse’s favourite flowers. It represents happiness, hope and devotion. It embodies everything young Jesse was. May we always celebrate her life and the positive contribution she made in the lives of so many in her 19 years with us.
Today, we mark Jesse's 21st birthday with her family - who also lost her grandfather Christopher Lategan in the same incident - by remembering our continued commitment and efforts in the fight against GBV.
I ask you to light a candle during this virtual commemoration for Jesse and all those who have lost their lives to this scourge.
WATCH: Jesse’s family and the UWC community pay tribute to her (Premiering at 1pm)
YouTube: http://bit.ly/JesseHess
Facebook: https://bit.ly/FB-UWC-Live
Read: Cherith Sanger, Faculty of Law lecturer from the Department of Criminal Justice & Procedure, discusses the scourge of Gender Based Violence and the Criminal Justice System.
Yours faithfully
Prof Tyrone Pretorius
Rector and Vice-Chancellor
