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DUT PROTECTION SERVICES UNIT COMMIT TO MAKING DUT A MORE SECURE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

DUT PROTECTION SERVICES UNIT COMMIT TO MAKING DUT A MORE SECURE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

The Protection Services unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted a successful Crime Awareness Week at Indumiso campus in the Midlands, from Thursday, 3 October to Friday, 4 October 2024.

The DUT Crime Awareness Week initiative played a vital role in advancing the goals and objectives outlines in the ENVISION2030 strategy. By promoting safety, engagement, well-being, and community collaboration, it contributed to creating a more secure and supportive environment that aligns with the university’ long term vision and objectives.

The annual event was intended to raise awareness about crime prevention and safety measures within the DUT community. It also served as an excellent opportunity to foster collaboration between the DUT institution and law enforcement agencies like the South African Police Service, Community organisations and other stakeholders to work together in informing, educating and empowering the DUT community and broader public about safety and security.

The Crime Awareness Week consisted of various activities, including seminars, workshops, and demonstrations such as live self-defence demonstrations, all aimed at educating the DUT community about crime prevention, personal safety, and the role of law enforcement.

Giving more context to the event was Mr Thandokuhle Shongwe: Protection Services unit admin and SAFE-U Task Team Chairperson who delivered a key note address on behalf of PSU Director, Mr Relibile Mofokeng. He mentioned that hosting such event is essential, as they are working on enhancing campus safety through voluntary collaborations.

“We have a new initiative called Weekly Activation Patrol (WAP). With this initiative, we are trying to say we want to have weekly patrols around the DUT map. The objectives of this initiative includes enhancing on-campus safety, strengthening partnerships, providing visible security and to foster a sense of safety and well-being of DUT community,” he explained.

Additionally, the weekly activation patrol will Increases real-time crime prevention, “Visible deterrent for potential criminal activities, strengthens student and staff confidence in campus safety and creates a proactive and engaged university community,” he said.

Further into the day, a panel of speakers from SAPS, Security companies, PSU, SRC and uMsunduzi Municipality Reps delivered informative and robust perspectives around the topic: Reflection on the WAP proposal (CSI initiative). The deliberations from the panel discussion looked at having greater campus safety measures in terms of more visible security personnel outside the university gate. Some of the issues that emerged from students were for increased patrols from both SAPS and security, and for a well-lit environment.

In cultivating a world where students thrive in a sanctuary of safety and security, free from the perils of violence and exploitation, Izipho Zokuphila, a Durban-based company founded by Simphiwe Ntuli and Siyabonga demonstrated their customisable discreet tracking device that allows students and staff to send alert signals in times of distress or danger through a panic button on the device. The button tracker uses cutting edge GPS technology and live tracking to track and trace students.

Their vision is to combat violent crimes, human trafficking, and other criminal threats through the deployment of cutting- edge personal tracking technology, thereby safeguarding staff and students across diverse communities and ensuring their well-being.

Pictured: Protection Services Unit staff members with Programme Director Felix Hlophe at Indumiso Campus.

Thubelihle Dumakude

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