In partnership with the police and other law enforcement agencies, the department launched a campus community safety forum at the Northern Cape Urban TVET College on Thursday (16/7). Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi, led the launch. 

Provincial police commissioner Maj. Gen. Johnny Besnaar, DHET chief director Sabelo Buthelezi, and Northern Cape Urban TVET College deputy principal Elgin Mokokong also attended the event.

Campus community safety forums launched at Northern Cape Urban TVET College. Photo: SAPS

The initiative aims to ensure students are safe, disciplined, and protected—while also encouraging young people to participate actively in the fight against crime in their communities, Koloi said.

“Safety is a shared responsibility, and together we can build campuses where students can learn without fear,” she added.

Koloi said partnerships involving government, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and students are essential to creating safe and secure campuses. “A safe and secure campus environment is essential for academic success and the well-being of students. 

“We encourage students to participate actively in safety structures such as the campus community safety forum and to work closely with law enforcement and campus management to prevent crime.” 

The establishment of the forum forms part of a national initiative by the police and the department of higher education and training to create safer learning environments at universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges. 

The initiative is intended to protect students, lecturers, and support staff, while also improving cooperation between institutions, law enforcement agencies, campus security personnel, and surrounding communities. 

Twelve campus community safety forums have been launched nationally, demonstrating the police’s commitment to strengthening safety and security at institutions of higher learning, police spokesperson Lt. Col. Amanda van Wyk said.

The forums provide collaborative platforms where the police, campus management, security personnel, students, and community stakeholders can identify safety concerns, address crime threats, and introduce proactive crime-prevention measures on and around campuses.

Combating campus crime

The initiative also seeks to improve coordination among stakeholders in tackling gender-based violence and femicide, robberies, theft, drug-related offences, bullying, intimidation, and other threats that could negatively affect the learning environment.

The two-day engagement concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to supporting the campus community safety forum and other initiatives aimed at strengthening safety, security, and crime-prevention efforts within and around the college campus.

OFM News mvh

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