UKZN, SAPS Unite: New Campus Safety Forum to Combat Crime

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The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS), recently launched the newly established UKZN chapter of the Campus Community Safety Forum (CCSF) during a two-day event held at the University’s Westville campus.

The formation of the forum - a national initiative driven by SAPS - aims to combat crime and create a safe and secure environment for staff and students at the University. 

The two-day programme brought together SAPS management, University leadership, student representatives, members of community policing forums, private security providers, officials from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), community activists, and other key partners.

In his welcome, Professor Ernest Khalema, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for the College of Law and Management Studies, thanked the SAPS leadership for driving the initiative, which prioritises the safety of universities across the country. He noted that university campuses are communities that must be protected to thrive.

Khalema highlighted the strides the University has made in combating crime on campuses, particularly a reduction in violent protests over the past two years. “While this progress is encouraging, we are mindful that it has been made possible through collaboration with stakeholders such as neighbouring communities, SAPS, Metro Police, private security providers, Community Policing Forums and businesses.” 

He said the launch is, therefore, a continuation and formalisation of work that has already been underway. “Through the forum, we hope to strengthen existing partnerships with SAPS and create structured spaces for engagement while also building the capacity to respond more effectively to safety challenges,” said Khalema. 

Throughout the engagements, presenters and speakers held robust discussions on the challenges and threats affecting UKZN campuses, sharing insights, experiences, and practical strategies for enhancing safety and security. Students had the opportunity to engage with University management and SAPS. 

Major General Thokozani Mathonsi, SAPS Head of Social Crime Prevention, said the campus safety programme targets institutions of higher learning. He added that the event aims to formalise and strengthen partnerships with universities, identify crime proactively, and promote information sharing. 

Mathonsi noted that the programme aims to enhance safety and security within institutions of higher learning. Its objectives include protecting students and the broader University community; building a relationship between the police, local police stations and the University; and undertaking joint crime prevention programmes.

He emphasised that students should serve as safety ambassadors, with SAPS supporting these efforts. He added that prevention must extend beyond policing, requiring collective responsibility in combating crime.

Crimes commonly reported on and around university campuses include common assault, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, gender-based violence, sexual offences, and, in some cases murder. Contributing factors include the location of some universities in high-crime areas, alcohol and drug abuse, and inadequate campus security. Mathonsi warned that if safety and security measures are not intensified, the risks could include criminal infiltration, gangsterism, cybercrime, and other serious crimes.

Launching the CCSF and introducing its members, Mr Lovemore Khumalo, UKZN Acting Director of Risk Management Services (RMS), said the forum was established to support RMS’s efforts in creating a safe, secure, and supportive environment across all five campuses. He added that the structure brings together individuals whose expertise, leadership, and commitment to service will help shape the direction of the University’s campus safety initiatives.

He explained the CCSF will serve as a collaborative platform to identify and address emerging safety risks; assess and enhance security measures; co-ordinate responses to incidents of crime across campuses; and develop strategies to support students living in private residences in surrounding communities.

“Each member of the forum represents an important stakeholder and brings much-needed experience and insight into this role. This structure will meet regularly to assess risks, prevent incidents, and respond to crime across all campuses. Its work will be vital in strengthening collaboration between the University and SAPS,” added Khumalo.

Welcoming the launch of the new structure, University Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Nana Poku said it reinforces UKZN’s ongoing efforts to combat crime, prevent gender-based violence, and promote the safety and well-being of all members of the University community. He commended students for their role in tackling safety challenges and preventing violent protests.

“The launch of this forum comes at a pivotal moment for our Institution. As we advance Project Renewal and pursue the priorities outlined in our 2023-2032 Strategic Plan, it is essential that our campuses remain spaces of stability, peace, and security. Without these conditions, our aspirations to remain responsive, relevant, and resilient in a rapidly evolving Higher Education landscape cannot be fully realised. We therefore fully support this initiative and are committed to working in partnership with SAPS, students, staff, and all stakeholders to ensure its success,” said Poku.

Howard College SRC Campus Secretary, Mr Sisanda Dlamini, said the SRC reaffirms the official role of the CCSF in their collective quest for a secure and conducive educational environment. He added that student safety is fundamental to success and personal development, and that through this forum, students can learn without fear and fully engage in their studies and campus life.

“Looking ahead, the SRC is committed to sustaining and expanding the solutions we have set in motion. The forum plays an indispensable role by providing a national stage for meaningful engagement, oversight, and accountability. We urge this forum to uphold these commitments and to ensure that mechanisms for student participation and feedback remain at the forefront.”

The members of this forum include:

RMS Security Managers

Security and Traffic Manager: Westville - Mr Sabelo Maphanga
Security and Traffic Manager: Edgewood - Mr Thami Mbatha
Security and Traffic Manager: Howard College and Medical School - Mr Richard Nkosi
Security and Traffic Manager: PMB - Mr Trevor Abrahams 

Investigation Department (General)

Investigations Officer: Westville and Edgewood - Mr Jabulani Dube
Investigations Officer: Howard College and Medical School - Mr Thula Sibisi
Investigations Officer: Pietermaritzburg - Ms Dalani Khomo

GBV Investigations Department

Investigations Officer: Howard College, Medical School and Pietermaritzburg - Ms Zinhle Ngcobo
Investigations Officer: Westville and Edgewood - Ms Delisile Saunders

Safety, Health and Environment

SHE Head - Mr Thulani Mdadane
SHE Manager - Howard College, Medical School and Westville - Mr Kaizer Mhlophe
SHE Manager - Edgewood and Pietermaritzburg - Ms Dolly Mkhize

Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety Head - Ms Jabu Hlophe 

Station Commissioners and Station Reps

Westville Station Commissioner: Colonel Sharon Sihlangu
Umbilo Station Commissioner: Colonel Richard Ximba
Pinetown Station Commissioner: Colonel Ronny Harilall
Alexandra Road (Pietermaritzburg) Station Commissioner: Colonel Gcinisile Novandla 

Durban Metro Police: Brigadier Parboo Sewpersad

Westville Metro Police: Colonel Melanie Morgan and Colonel Siyabonga Dlamini

CPF: Westville, Umbilo, Pinetown, Alexandra Road (Pietermaritzburg)

Urban Improvement Precinct - Mr Shaun Kruger 

Words: Ndaba Online

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini