Day one of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) SAFE-U Crime Awareness Week took place at Steve Biko campus on Monday, 23 October 2023.

A vital message echoed at Day one was Asiphephe e–DUT asiphephe! This was a message conveyed at the opening of the DUT Safe-U Crime Awareness Week. The prestigious event aims to serve as an excellent opportunity to foster collaboration between the DUT institution and law enforcement agencies like the South African Police Service, to work together to inform, educate and empower the DUT community and broader public about safety and security.

The Programme Director of the event, Lehlohonolo Mokhohlouloane, DUT’s Safety, Health and Environment Registered Occupational Safety Manager, explained that the SAFE-U Crime Awareness Week is being hosted by DUT’s Protection Services, and is open to all staff and students. He further welcomed all the stakeholders such as the DUT SRC, SANTACO Durban Central Taxi Region, SAPS, the eThekwini Municipality-Safer Cities as well as the Izikhova Security Services, for making time to be part of the DUT SAFE-U Crime Awareness Week initiative, which plays a crucial role in advancing the goals and objectives outlines in the ENVISION2030 strategy.

“Your active participation is vital as we embark on this important journey to build a secure and informed community,” he stressed.

Giving an official welcome to the event was DUT’s Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, who applauded the DUT Protection Services for hosting such an event.

“A big thank you to DUT’s Protection Services for hosting such an event, all the best as it’s a very good initiative,” he said.

Izikhova Security Services, Operations Manager, Sydney Madida relayed that they will share the ways students need to use in order to combat crime. He reiterated the importance of students being safe which is why such an event is crucial in terms of sharing information and embarking on an important journey to build and secure an informed community.

EThekwini Municipality’s Safer City representative, Abongile Mbangatho explained what their role is which is social crime prevention and how students should ensure that they go to places they are safe, and to always put their safety first.

Marcel Coughlan from SANTACO Durban Central Taxi Region shared more information on their association, also thanking the students for supporting them and assuring students that they are doing all in their power to ensure their safety whilst they are travelling with them as well.

DUT’s SRC’s Thando Magagula: Project Officer (Durban) thanked DUT Protection Services for hosting such an event. He explained that it is important for the DUT SRC to take part in such initiatives that touch on the health and social aspects of students as they want a safe and secure university.

DUT Legal Officer, Thembalethu Fihlela urged all students to speak up about any incidents no matter how small, and that students must not be scared to report to the Protection Services if they become victims of any crimes.

Mr Relibile Mofokeng, Director: Protection Services welcomed all stakeholders who formed part and parcel of the event.

“Thank you for honouring the invite for the launch of the annual Crime Awareness Week, a concept by Protection Services to bring all our practice, internal and external, in terms of putting together mitigation measures of  how to protect and create safe spaces for the university,” he said.

He also indicated that the active involvement of the DUT community in the DUT SAFE-U Crime Awareness Week initiative is essential for fostering a safe, informed, and cohesive environment, where members take an active role in preventing crime and supporting each other-remember that safety is a shared responsibility (#ASafeDUTStartsWithMe).

The DUT SAFE-U Crime Awareness Week continues today, 24 October 2023 at Indumiso campus in the Midlands, Wednesday, 25 October 2023 at Ritson campus, Durban, Thursday, 26 October 2023, and Friday, 27 October 2023 at Indumiso campus.

Pictured: The key stakeholders with DUT’s Protection Services, at Day one at Steve Biko campus.

Waheeda Peters