The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Protection Services Unit recently hosted its second annual Crime Awareness Week at Steve Biko campus, Fred Crookes in Durban from Monday, 30 September to Wednesday, 2 October 2024. The initiative aimed to educate students and staff on potential criminal threats and promote campus safety and security.

Musician, Babes Wodumo performing at the Crime Awareness Week.

Protection Services Unit held a wonderful crime awareness event that taught students and staff on how to react in dangerous situation. The DUT Community got the opportunity to get lessons on how to defend themselves outside campus. The DUT Protection Services Unit partnered with various stakeholders such as SAPS, Metro Police, Izikhova Security Services, Ranger Security, Blue Security, Virgin Active, ABSA, Izipho Zokuphila, and FNB.

Director: Protection Services Unit, Mr Relibile Mofokeng warmly welcomed the partners, esteemed guests, and students DUT Community to the crime awareness week event. He acknowledged the collaborative effort with Dr Clement Moreku, Dean of Students, in making this initiative a success. Mr. Mofokeng stated that partners were brought on board to address the safety and security concerns of students and staff within the university community.

He highlighted that three new vehicles were handed over to Protection Services Unit, enabling them to provide 24-hour surveillance. Mofokeng announced a weekly collaborative initiative – (Weekly Activation Patrol – WAP) the slogan “WAP around DUT Map” focusing on targeted patrols to enhance campus safety.

“The objectives of these weekly patrols are to strengthen partnerships, providing visible security and foster a sense of safety and wellbeing. This initiative aligns with DUT’s Protection Services Unit mandate to create and maintain a safe environment at all campuses,” added Mr. Mofokeng.

Dr Vuyo Mthethwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for People and Operations at DUT, shared crucial crime prevention advice. She emphasised the importance of unity among students and staff and offered practical tips which were to avoid walking alone, especially at night and to keep valuables secure and not to openly display cell phones.
Dr Mthethwa also addressed the growing concern of cybercrime targeting DUT students.

“As the technology advances and social media usage increases, students are vulnerable to hacking, account theft and online scams. Avoid unverified websites, keep personal information private, be cautious of online transactions and stay vigilant and protect your digital footprint,” Dr Mthethwa narrated.

The Dean of Students, Dr Moreku, shared concerns about South Africa’s high crime rate, which ranks 5th globally. Dr Moreku noted that higher education institutions are now targets for criminals, who are aware that students receive meal allowances. He highlighted South Africa’s National Crime Prevention Strategy’s (NCPS), which focuses on four pillars which are crime justice processes, public values and education, environmental design, and Trans-National crime.

“Crime is an issue in South Africa, which means there is absence of safety. That means you won’t enjoy the right of safety. The course of crime in residences are that students abuse alcohol, resulting in those losing their personal belongings. Crime prevention starts with us and reporting crime which case does help. Students must participate in public policy making and decision making on how to prevent crime,” he explained.

Also, in attendance were the DUT Community Engagement Cluster Unit, Student Representative Council (SRC) President, Solomzi Zoleka and Finance Officer, Sihle Nkosi. Mr. Nkosi mentioned the importance of personal safety and financial responsibility.

Izipho Zokuphila, an organisation that has won two prestigious awards from the South African Breweries (SAB) Foundation sharp and Ministerial awards for the 21st CPSI Public Innovation awards. Their vision is to create a safe environment within the various community for women and children.

Siyabonga Mngadi, a representative from Izipho Zokuphila, introduced an innovative safety solution for students- which is a wearable panic button (tracking device). Mngadi explained that the panic button ensures the safety of students with instant alerts being sent to authorities and emergency contacts.

A panel discussion featuring representatives from the DUT Community Engagement Cluster Unit, security companies, Metro Police, the SRC Finance Officer and Izipho Zokuphila, was aimed to educate students on existing crimes and prevention strategies. Its key objectives of the discussion included sharing crime prevention techniques, introducing available support and highlighting the importance of collaboration between students, staff, and security personnel.

Nokuthula Kubheka, a second-year student in the Diploma in Library and Information Studies, emphasised the crucial role of self-defence in ensuring personal safety. She also encouraged fellow students to take advantage of martial arts training for self-protection outside campus.

“I’m thrilled to see our university prioritising student safety. Witnessing the presence of various security agencies at this event reassures me that we are protected and supported,” said Kubheka.

Thembalethu Fihlela, DUT Legal Officer, wrapped up the event by emphasising the significance of students familiarising themselves with the general handbook, which serves as guiding document at DUT. She also encourages students to take an active role in understanding the handbook, as it outlines essential rules and regulations. She stated that the general handbook is not set in stone and can be amended through collaborative effort between student leadership and management. Fihlela extended her gratitude to all the students, partners and attendees for attending the wonderful crime awareness event.

Pictured: Director of PSU, Mr Relibile Mofokeng addressing students during day 2 of the Crime Awareness Week.

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese

Phiwayinkosi Sibiya