The Director of Risk Management and Campus Security at Stellenbosch University (SU), Dr. Viljoen van der Walt, says its generators, access systems and cameras ensure the safety and security of its students during periods of load shedding.
Last month saw Stellenbosch and the rest of the country experience Stage 4 load shedding, which involves three two-hour blocks of power outages in 24 hours.
Student studying in the dark with phone torch during load shedding PHOTO: Lucian van Wyk
University Generators:
According to van der Walt over 30 of the 42 large academic buildings on campus have generators, running for up to four hours. These include designated studying facilities such as the computer laboratories (HUMARGA, FHARGA, FIRGA, NARGA), the Library and the Study Centre (SS).
“The concern students must take into mind is that although it’s possible for these generators to run during Stage 4 load shedding, we will not be able to provide generator power during higher levels of load shedding.”
He adds that people tend to underestimate the amount of fuel generators use and the logistical requirements to keep them filled.
Access – and monitoring systems on campus:
Van der Walt states that access control is also influenced by load shedding, including that of university buildings and residences.
He adds that all the university systems are built in such a way that the access control systems work the same as they normally would during load shedding. This means that doors still work during power outages.
“Unfortunately during the recent increase in load shedding, some of the campus wide systems failed, either because the batteries were old or due to technical problems. It is currently being worked on. Special plans are being made and equipment will be installed, specifically at university residence doors to ensure that there’s at least one door that works properly,” says Van der Walt.
According to Van der Walt cameras at access points still work properly during load shedding, but adds that although the cameras on campus are monitoring and working, if street lights are off, the effectiveness of the cameras are less.
Van der Walt suggests five guidelines for students to follow during load shedding:
- download an app on your phone to follow the load shedding schedule and level we are currently in, such as ‘EskomsePush’
- familiarise yourself with your situation at your residential area, whether there is a backup generator and knowing how access control works
- get yourself a torch and keep it at hand at all times
- familiarise yourself with the safest routes to take during load shedding (Victoria and Bosman Street when travelling on campus)
- plan out your academic program before load shedding is scheduled
SU Student Leaders:
Student leaders at the university also added their voice to the issue of load shedding.
According to Masixole Ndamandama (24), SU SRC member for safety, the university’s safety protocols regarding load shedding were formulated years ago when the crisis first hit South Africa and have since been adapted for the current situation.
“This includes increased patrols during load shedding, more buildings being fitted with generators – an expensive but necessary solution – and Campus Security being more vigilant.”
Luke Waltham (21), chairperson of the SU chapter of the United Nations Association of South Africa (UNASA), advises students to charge their devices two hours before load shedding “so that you can still do work and remain in contact during load shedding”.
He adds that students should plan their cooking ahead of load shedding as to not interfere with their eating schedules.
Students can contact Campus Security via WhatsApp on 082 808 2333 if they experience any problems during load shedding in the future.
The load shedding schedule can be found on http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za/