The Durban University of Technology (DUT) launched its inaugural Crime Awareness Week at the Ritson campus hall in Durban on Wednesday, 25 October 2023. The DUT SAFE-U Crime Awareness Week Launch, which is under the helm of the DUT Protection Services, aims to raise awareness about crime prevention and safety measures within the DUT community.
The DUT SAFE-U Crime Awareness Week Launch further plays an integral role in advancing the goals and objectives outlined in the ENVISION2030 strategy. By promoting safety, engagement, well-being, and community collaboration, it contributes to creating a more secure and supportive environment that aligns with the university’ long term vision and objectives.
The first, exciting part of the DUT SAFE-U Crime Awareness Week Launch culminated with the official ribbon cutting ceremony with Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations, Mr Mxolisi Msomi, SRC’s Thando Magagula: Project Officer (Durban) and Mr Relibile Mofokeng, Director: Protection Services.
Director: Protection Services, Mr Relibile Mofokeng being interviewed by the East Coast Radio at the event.
DUT staff, students were then given the opportunity to view and interact with exhibitors such as the DUT SRC, SANTACO Durban Central Taxi Region, SAPS, the eThekwini Municipality-Safer Cities as well as the Izikhova Security Services.
Giving context and welcoming the guests to the prestigious event was DUT’s Mr Mofokeng, who explained that the aim of the event was to create a safer and secure neighbourhood for the DUT community and future generations, and to also foster a sense of community and find areas of more collaboration.
Adding to the conversation was the keynote speaker, Ms Hlamarisa Kubayi, Director: Facilities and Maintenance at DUT. She focused her keynote talk on a topic of immense significance-“Ensuring Campus Safety: University Infrastructure Development Initiatives.”
“Campus safety is not just a priority; it’s an obligation that universities owe to their students, staff, and visitors. It’s a shared responsibility that transcends borders and affects us all,” she stressed.
She explained that in an era marked by rapid technological advancements, a diverse student body, and ever-evolving security challenges, universities must be at the forefront of safety initiatives.
“This is not just about installing security cameras or employing more security personnel; it’s about embracing a holistic approach, where infrastructure development plays a pivotal role,” added Kubayi.
She delved further, acknowledging the vital role that universities play in shaping the future, stating that DUT is one of those universities.
“DUT is not only the centre of learning but also a place where ideas are born, friendships are forged, and potential is realised. To ensure that these environments thrive and fulfil their mission, campus safety becomes paramount,” commented Kubayi.
She relayed that universities across the globe are making conscious efforts to integrate safety into their infrastructure development initiatives. 
“These efforts encompass several key facets such as access control and surveillance, emergency response, building design and layout, infrastructure resilience, cybersecurity, community engagement, and crisis management which includes regular drills, training, and coordination with local law enforcement and emergency services. It is important to recognise that ensuring campus safety is a continuous process. The needs of universities evolve over time, and so do the threats they face. To stay ahead of these challenges, we as DUT must be adaptive, innovative, and invest in our infrastructure. This not only creates a safer environment but also a more welcoming and conducive one for learning and personal growth,” she said.
She also expressed the importance of collaboration between universities, local authorities, and the community which is essential.
“The safety of the DUT community is not a luxury but a fundamental necessity. It is an investment in the well-being and future of our students, staff, our communities, and society as a whole,” said Kubayi. She urged all stakeholders collectively to commit to making DUT not only a centre of learning but also sanctuary of safety and growth.
Further into the day, a panel of speakers delivered informative and robust perspectives around the topic on: “Informing, Educating and Empowering the DUT Community: Tackling Crime on Campus and Student Residence, and beyond.”
The deliberations from the panel discussion looked at transforming the taxi industry and incorporating safety, with measures such as cameras in place to curb and eliminate criminal elements in their operations. Having greater campus safety measures in terms of more visible security personnel outside the university gate. Some strategies discussed was on the smarter city concept, where the eThekwini municipality is curbing and eliminating the criminal elements within its employment system. Some of the issues that emerged from students were for increased patrols from both SAPS and security, for a well-lit environment. To improve relations between students and Protection Services.
After the robust panel discussion session, Dr Sibusiso Xaba, Chief Policy Analyst from the eThekwini municipality gave the closing remarks. He relayed that the panel session gave everyone a very good foundation and a lot more to work with.
“Let us use the next 11 months to concretise our commitments and start to operationalise our solutions, so that come Crime Awareness Week 2024, we will have something to reflect on. The writing is not on the wall but it is in each one gathered here. We can’t wait to operationalise this partnership within the university community and beyond. I would like to thank you for your cooperation, commitments, and contributions during this robust discussion,” he said.
Further on into the day, a panel discussion delved into exploring the intersection of campus culture and crime prevention: strategies for safer universities.
This Crime Awareness Week will conclude on Friday, 27 October 2023 at the DUT Indumiso campus in the Midlands.
Pictured: Key stakeholders at the Crime Awareness Week Launch.
Photographer: Morgen Kisten.
Waheeda Peters
