University of Pretoria and Stellenbosch University want to work with AfriForum Youth to promote student safety
The rectors’ offices of the University of Pretoria (UP) and Stellenbosch University (SU) have responded positively to AfriForum Youth’s offer to help promote student safety on campus. In light of the #NoStudentLeftBehind protests, the youth organisation sent letters to the management of UP and SU requesting clarity on the universities’ existing safety measures. The same letters were also sent to the management of the University of the Free State (UFS) and the North-West University (NWU) but AfriForum Youth received no response from them.
In the letters, which were sent to the universities in February, AfriForum Youth specifically asked for the universities’ plans to ensure safety on and around campus during possible protest actions; how students and staff are communicated with in the event of unrest; what is being done to prevent violence and coordinate law enforcement; and how student council members are held accountable for their role in unrest and academic disruption.
Prof. Francis Petersen, UP Rector, and Prof. Stan du Plessis, SU’s Acting Rector and Vice-Chancellor, confirmed in writing in response to AfriForum Youth’s letters that they are willing to engage with the youth organisation regarding the intended safety initiatives. These universities have also undertaken to strengthen security on campuses themselves.
“What is worrying, however, is that the UFS and the NWU have still not responded to our letters – despite several follow-up requests. This silence indicates an inability or unwillingness to treat student safety as a priority,” emphasises Yvonne Gerber, AfriForum Youth’s officer for development.
“It is unacceptable that tertiary institutions ignore student safety, while protests, intimidation and academic disruption are a reality and a regular problem on the campuses.”
AfriForum Youth has already started to implement proactive measures to ensure student safety on the UP, SU, UFS and NWU campuses.
“We are in the process of establishing student neighbourhood watches that will conduct patrols on and around the respective campuses. Furthermore, we have established WhatsApp groups for immediate support and plan to hold self-defence training for students on the campuses. A safety audit will also take place and a survey on campus safety will be sent to students,” says Gerber.
“Students must take safety into their own hands and will ensure that they can continue with their academic obligations on campus without any disruptions and dangers.”
AfriForum Youth will still hold the universities to their promises and continue to fight for students’ right to a safe, stable learning environment.
