PROTECTING OUR FUTURE: Nelson Mandela Metro safety and security political head Stag Mitchell, left, MEC: Community Safety and Transport Xolile Nqatha, and Nelson Mandela University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa take questions from the audience at today’s Safety and Security Indaba held at Second Avenue Campus in Gqeberha; STUDENT VOICE: Nelson Mandela University SRC President Yiva Makrwede took part in the Indaba
The indaba comes after the recent launch of the University’s Campus Community Safety Forum, which is inclusive of the South African Police Service and other key stakeholders, working together in ensuring safer environments at its campuses and neighbourhoods.
As with other universities across South Africa, crime is rife and, despite security being enhanced, students have been attacked and robbed off campus on their way home or to their residences.
The draft strategy indicates that, “given the increase in crime rates across South Africa, there is a pressing need to adopt a closed campus approach, bolstered by stringent access control infrastructure and measures to mitigate threats from infiltrating the University grounds”.
A closed campus with biometric systems, including at turnstiles, will enhance access control measures, along with the use of licence plate recognition cameras.
The draft strategy stems from a comprehensive report assessing emerging security risks within the sector and across all Mandela University campuses. It incorporates insights from benchmarking exercises and peer assessments with other universities in South Africa.
The University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations, Luthando Jack, said the draft strategy was discussed at the Safety and Security Indaba so that it would be owned by all stakeholders, and would be holistic and inclusive.
He called for an integrated approach to fighting crime, based on four pillars:
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Professional development and improved management of Protection Services staff
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Cutting-edge technology and physical infrastructure
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Communication and education
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Stakeholder management and engagement.
He said that the development and implementation of a strategy was broader than the Protection Services department.
“We also cannot rely solely on the SAPS and other external service providers but if we work with them we can then win the fight,” said Jack.
The University’s Student Representative Council President, Yiva Makrwede, addressed the Indaba, saying black students in particular bore the brunt of crime.
“As black people we can relate to crime, and the question of safety cannot be separated from the social ills of society,” he said, highlighting the high incidence of violent crime in certain areas of the metro, including Central where many students lived.
“Being here [at the Indaba] is an admission that there is a crisis of safety. We need the government to take this matter seriously, and to understand what we are faced with.”
Giving a keynote address at the Indaba, Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Honourable Xolile Nqatha, applauded the University on its efforts.
“On behalf of Provincial Government and the newly established Eastern Cape Cabinet Committee on the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, I want to congratulate Nelson Mandela University on the successful launch of the Campus Community Safety Forum,” he said.
“The University has lived up to the expectations set out by uTata Nelson Mandela who believed that: ‘Safety and security don’t just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear’.”
MEC Nqatha highlighted three municipalities in the province as crime hotspots: namely, the Nelson Mandela Metro, Buffalo City Metro and OR Tambo municipalities.
“It is therefore important that this indaba appreciate the broad mandate and context under which this event takes place.”
The draft strategy proposes, among other measures:
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A closed campus with biometrics systems to control access
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The use of licence plate recognition cameras
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Random search of vehicles
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Deployment of Intelligent Analytical Perimeter Thermal Cameras.
Surveillance infrastructure activities include:
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Restructuring and staffing of Control Rooms
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Implementing a two-tier monitoring approach, where there is an enhanced onsite control room capacity, operated 24/7, to oversee security operations and ensure immediate response to incidents; and a third-party independent service provider specialising in off-site monitoring.
The University also plans communication activities that include:
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A safety and security awareness campaign and stakeholder workshops
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Clear guidelines on behaviour permitted and prohibited on campuses
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Robust community partnerships.
Nelson Mandela University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sibongile Muthwa, also addressed the Indaba.
“Safety and security are fundamental pillars that support the University’s operations. The strategy is based on the University’s Strategic Plan, Vision 2030, which entails providing a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders,” she said.
As centres for learning, teaching, research and work, for students and staff, campuses are bustling hubs visited daily by several groups of stakeholders, and she urged all to invest in a “culture of care and positive agency”.
“University residences house just over 10% of our students, with the majority living in private off-campus accommodation. The University believes it is responsible for the safety of all students, both on and off campus. Similarly, the University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure working environment for staff,” said Prof Muthwa.