Stellenbosch University (SU) recently introduced a walk-along-bus service to escort groups of students home from the university campus in the evenings.
This is according to Martin Viljoen, spokesperson for SU, in written correspondence with MatieMedia.
A walk-along-bus service was recently introduced for Stellenbosch University (SU) students who live on campus, according to Martin Viljoen, spokesperson for SU, in written correspondence with MatieMedia. The service is specifically targeted at students who wish to return home from computer areas on campus to student residences, he stated. PHOTO: Nakishka Skriker
The service was introduced after the SU Student Representative Council (SRC) requested additional security for students walking home during loadshedding, said Viljoen. The request was specifically made for students walking between computer areas and residences on campus, he added.
The walk-along-bus service was first announced on SU’s Facebook page on 17 October. The service covers six primary routes from a SU Campus Security meeting point to areas surrounding the Goldfields, Lobelia, Huis Russel Botman, Monica and the so-called Drie Susters residences, as well as SU’s Engineering building, according to SU’s Facebook page.
The walk-along-bus service will be offered throughout the exam period, according to Mhawake Spaningeni, a member of SU’s Campus Security and a walk-along-bus service shift leader. The service is specifically aimed at helping students who are studying at later hours on campus due to the exam period, he said.
Taking steps towards safety
The walk-along-bus service is offered every hour on the hour, from 18:00 to 06:00, said Spaningeni. The meeting point is a campus security station outside of SU’s Jan Mouton building, where Spaningeni and other officers are stationed throughout the evening.
Although the turnout was low at first, Spaningeni stated that around 20 people now make use of the service each night.
Pictured above is Mhawake Spaningeni, a member of Stellenbosch University’s (SU’s) Campus Security. Spaningeni is also a shift leader for SU’s new walk-along-bus service, which escorts groups of students from a meeting point outside SU’s Jan Mouton building to student residences on campus. The service is available every hour, on the hour, from 18:00 to 06:00 for the next few weeks, according to Spaningeni. PHOTO: Nakishka Skriker
Safety options for students
Although the service is temporary, SU offers other options to students who wish to return home safely.
A walk-with service is offered from 18:00 every evening, said Viljoen. Students are encouraged to message Campus Security if they wish to be accompanied by a security officer when walking between areas on campus, he explained.
“In some cases, officers also accompany students to areas which are just around the corner of the border of the campus to ensure that they reach their residence safely,” he stated.
Students who don’t live on campus can also book a free shuttle service through SU’s website.
Sikhanyiso Nkosi, a first year International Studies student at Stellenbosch University (SU) spoke to MatieMedia about the importance of SU’s safety services. Nkosi uses SU’s Campus Security walk-with service in order to walk to the Huis Russel Botman residence safely each evening. AUDIO: Nakishka Skriker
Additionally, alternative lighting is being installed on preferred routes on campus, said Viljoen.
Off-campus concerns
“Safety will always be a concern in and around South Africa which means security will always be a concern on campus,” said Reabetsoe Ratune, the Primaria of the Capri private student organisation.
“Extending this walk to non-resident students should be high up on the priority list for this intervention,” she said via written correspondence with MatieMedia.
Non-resident students account for most of the student population, thus “a large chunk of students are being neglected”, said Ratune. “These are the students who don’t have study areas within their accommodations and therefore rely heavily on study centres on campus.”
Students would also benefit from SU’s safety initiatives being “broadcast and advertised more so that everyone is aware of these initiatives and how they work”, she stated.
Contact SU’s Campus Security at 021 808 2333.