The Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently participated in a Crime Awareness Day (CAD 2022) hosted by the Berea South African Police Services (SAPS), at Berea Park in Musgrave.

The purpose of Crime Awareness Day was to bridge the gap between local law enforcement and the community. The day was filled with entertainment for all ages including displays from the SAPS, Emergency Services, schools and clubs.

The activities that took place that day included the Gordon Road Girls School Steel Drums Display, Emergency Services Displays, Natal German Shepherd Dog Club Dog Display as well as live entertainment.

From DUT, the Somatology and Community Health Studies Departments partook with students from the Somatology Department giving head and neck massages to the guests and the students from the Community Health Studies Department doing a drumming circle as part of the opening ceremony.

The Engagement Office under the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement (DVC: RIE) organised an exhibition of the Marigold Fashion Range which is a collaboration between a fashion design student, Keegan Naidoo, and the Women Crafters Cooperative Siyaphambili. The women crafters also exhibited the beaded products that they produce and sell. There was a lot of interest in the products with the women making a good sale of their products on the day. The DUT Audio-visual Services Department also assisted with video and photography services during the event to ensure that all activities are captured, and with the aim of supporting and contributing to quality teaching, learning and research output in the university.

Ms Vasantha Govender, Manager at the Marketing, Public Relations, and Events Department under the Division of Corporate Affairs at DUT said that it was important that DUT support events of this nature because crime in the area is very high and requires the community to work together with law enforcement agencies to form partnerships and deal with this challenge.

“DUT is one of the largest institutions with four campuses located in the Berea area and we have partnered with the Berea SAPS in crime prevention initiatives to ensure the safety of our students,” she said.

Various government departments and security companies also gave demonstrations at the event.

Pictured: Community Health Studies students doing a drumming circle with their lecturer, Ms Nomashodo Siluma.

Phumzile Xulu