During the launch of the Campus Community Safety Forum, UL reaffirmed its commitment to combating crime around the campus by establishing a committee dedicated to addressing this issue
By Keletso Makgopa & Lesedi Mothapo | ulpublications@ul.ac.za
Amid rising crime that often targets vulnerable students, the University of Limpopo (UL), in partnership with the South African Police Services (SAPS), has launched a Campus Community Safety Forum to tackle safety issues head-on
This initiative brings together a variety of stakeholders to secure a safe, supportive learning environment for students and staff that make up the University community.
Cllr Joosuf Pemma, MMC for Community Services at Polokwane Local Municipality, calls for robust response protocols to enhance campus safety
Delivering the keynote address during the launch, Cllr Joosuf Pemma, MMC for Community Services at the Polokwane Local Municipality, emphasised a united vision to make educational spaces secure. “We’re turning this vision into a reality here in Mankweng. Safety is a collective responsibility,” said Cllr Pemma. He underscored the importance of a robust support system and encouraged students and staff to get involved, reminding them that their voices are essential in shaping a secure campus.
Brigadier Isaac Mhlongo, Provincial Head for Proactive Crime Prevention at SAPS, encourages students to actively participate in safety initiatives
Brigadier Isaac Mhlongo, Provincial Head for Proactive Crime Prevention at SAPS, clarified that the forum aims to implement effective safety protocols tailored for Limpopo’s universities and colleges, with a sharp focus on issues like Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and substance abuse. “We want to foster a culture of respect and accountability and strengthen partnerships with educational institutions,” he said, stressing SAPS’s commitment to addressing students’ safety concerns both on and off campus.
Brigadier Miso Shumane, Head of Visible Policing and Operations, urges collective action to combat crime
The launch highlighted potential security threats facing students, along with solutions designed to counter them. Brigadier Miso Shumane, who oversees Visible Policing and Operations at SAPS, highlighted the need for cooperation to ensure campus and community well-being. “We ask you to engage with us because this effort relies on everyone’s support and partnership,” she urged. She noted that integrating safety and security measures within campus operations is essential for the success of this initiative.
Mampuru Mampa, UL’s Director of Safety and Security, highlighted past challenges with drug-related offenses and shared how the university has taken steps to address them
UL’s own Director of Safety and Security, Mampuru Mampa, detailed the specific challenges facing the University, particularly around GBV and the protection of students on and off campus. To combat these issues, UL has rolled out a hybrid security system within the campus premises.
However, off-campus students face heightened threats of burglary, robbery, GBV, and drug-related incidents worsened by the sale of illegal substances. “The spike in GBV has necessitated a holistic and proactive approach to campus and off-campus safety,” Mampa remarked. He believes that through the forum, UL will be able to better address the safety needs of off-campus students while enhancing overall campus security.
Dr Ngwako Rapakwana, Director of UL’s Gender Desk Unit, highlights the university’s commitment to trauma counselling, community engagement, and partnership with SAPS to combat GBV in Mankweng
Kamogelo Poto, SRC President at UL highlighted the key needs of survivors, urging that access to justice, access to healing services, and the provision of safe spaces must be prioritised