The Durban University of Technology (DUT) proudly participated in the SAPS Berea Crime Awareness Day 2024 held at the Curries Fountain Sports Development Centre on Saturday, 10 August 2024.
The event marked a significant collaborative effort between the local law enforcement, security companies, DUT, various stakeholders and sponsors to promote safety and crime prevention within the community.
DUT’s involvement in the initiative was spearheaded by its Protection Services Unit and Marketing, PR and Events Unit. These Units joined forces to ensure the university’s strong representation at the event, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to building a safer environment for its students, staff, and the broader community.
Strengthening Community and Law Enforcement Relations
DUT’s participation was not only a show of support for the SAPS Berea Crime Awareness Day but also an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the university and local law enforcement agencies. Various units from DUT were invited to join the initiative, including DUT Community Engagement Cluster, Emergency Medical Care and Rescue, Chiropractic, Somatology, Student Recruitment, Student Counselling and Health, Audio Visual, Hospitality and Tourism, and Facilities and Maintenance. The presence of these Units highlighted the university’s dedication to creating a secure and informed community. By engaging in this event, DUT aimed to support raise awareness about crime prevention, while also promoting its diverse academic programmes to potential students.
Safety and Security: A Shared Responsibility
The Protection Services Unit’s participation was particularly significant, as it aligned directly with its mandate to ensure the safety and security of all the DUT campuses and residences. The Unit works tirelessly to create and maintain a secure environment, making its involvement in the SAPS Berea Crime Awareness Day crucial. The initiative provided a platform for the university to demonstrate its commitment to safety as a shared responsibility, not just within its own campuses but extending to the broader community.
Insightful Dialogue with SAPS Berea Station Commander
During the event, the Protection Services Unit, alongside the DUT Community Engagement Cluster, conducted an insightful interview with the SAPS Berea Station Commander, Colonel H Gcabashe. The interview shed light on the importance of community collaboration in achieving a safe environment for all.
Q: Safety being a shared responsibility, how does this initiative highlight the importance of coming together as a community to achieve a safe environment for everyone living in it?
A: “This initiative underscores the vital role that each community member plays in ensuring our collective safety. We encourage the community to trust the police and build a relationship with the police, because the crime happens in the communities, if someone sees or hears anything they should be able to share freely with the police. It is important for the community to participate in policing forums, where issues are explored in detail and residents can gain insight into how the police operate.”
Q: What does Crime Awareness Day mean to the SAPS Berea Police Station?
A: “Crime Awareness Day is an opportunity for us to engage directly with the community, to educate and empower them. This event aims to build a relationship between the police and the community, we also want to alert people of the crimes and how to respond should one fall victim. We also want the community to understand how the SAPS and all the law enforcement agencies operate.”
Q: The partnership and collaboration from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), how does SAPS Berea Police Station value this partnership and support?
A: “The support and collaboration from DUT are invaluable. It shows that the university is not just focused on academic excellence but also on the well-being of its students and the wider community. We really value DUT, we receive a lot of cases from DUT students, and most of the culprits are in DUT. If DUT works hand in hand with the police we will be able to combat crime and create a zero-tolerance zone.”
A Successful and Empowering Event
As the day concluded, DUT’s Protection Services Unit and Marketing, PR and Events Unit extended their gratitude to SAPS Berea Police Station, Station Commander Colonel Gcabashe, event organisers, stakeholders, sponsors, and the community members who attended. The event was a resounding success, emphasising that safety is indeed a shared responsibility.
The SAPS Berea Crime Awareness Day provided an informative and empowering experience for all involved. By gathering knowledge from experts and learning how to stay informed and aware of their surroundings, community members were better equipped to react to potential situations, making the event not only a celebration of collaboration but also a significant step towards a safer environment for everyone.
According the Mr Relibile Mofokeng, Director: Protection Services unit at DUT, the university remains committed to supporting such initiatives, recognising the crucial role that education, collaboration, and community engagement play in building a safer and more secure environment for everyone.
“In line with this commitment, the Protection Services unit is excited to announce its second annual Crime Awareness Week, following the success of last year’s event. We encourage all DUT students and staff to join us and actively participate in this important initiative, which will take place from 30 September 2024 to 4 October 2024 across both Durban and Midlands Campuses,” reiterated Mr Mofokeng.
Pictured:Distinguished guests at the SAPS Berea Crime Awareness Day 2024 with the ambassadors.
Thandokuhle Shongwe/Andiswa Ngubane
