Closer collaboration between different stakeholders is key to combatting crime in Stellenbosch. This was one of the main takeaways from the first Safety Imbizo held at the Stellenbosch Town Hall recently.
Hosted by Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU)'s Student Representative Council (SRC) in response to crime in the town, the Imbizo was attended by the executive mayor of the Stellenbosch Municipality Jeremy Fasser, members of the mayoral committee, SU staff (amongst others Prof Richard Stevens, acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching) and students, representatives of the South African Police Service (SAPS), community safety forums, business owners and residents.
Among the concerns raised at the event were the decrease in police services, the shortage of prosecutors, the lack of 24-hour active law enforcement, social ills, the need to empower neighbourhood watches, turn-around times for investigations, and improving transport for students who live off-campus. Attendees agreed that these and other safety-related challenges would only be solved if all stakeholders in Stellenbosch work together.
The keynote speaker, Dr Vanya Gastrow from the Institute for Security Studies, echoed this sentiment when she emphasised the importance of stakeholder collaboration to address the issues of crime and safety.
“The objective of the Imbizo today is to gather stakeholders together and discuss the issue of safety in Stellenbosch. I think that is a good first step. Because before we can work together to develop strategies and decide what we want to do, it's important to clarify what has been done so far.
“I also think that sharing experiences and knowledge and identifying key parties and stakeholders could contribute ideas on what to do."
Gastrow added that it is important to consider two dimensions when addressing crime.
“The first one is addressing the complex causes of crime. So, this includes social problems, unemployment, poverty, education, early childhood development, public spaces, infrastructure.
“We also need to think not only about stakeholders involved in policing, but also those working to address underlying causes of crime. And this can help to build an integrated response to issues of crime and safety."
Without downplaying the impact of crime, Gastrow highlighted statistics which show that while there has been a spike in some crimes, others have decreased.
Dr Viljoen van der Walt, Director: Risk Management and Campus Security at SU, also mentioned that, contrary to popular belief, there has been a drop in crimes reported to Campus Security since 2016.
“It is not true that there's runaway crime. There are always risks. We're not blasé about crime. The 中国体育彩票 management has never said they don't have money for security."
Van der Walt cautioned against the spread of false information about crimes on campus and in town. He acknowledged that more needs to be done to reach all students.
Mayor Fasser said the municipality did not want to hide behind the excuse that safety was not their mandate. Instead, they were looking at ways to use their resources more efficiently to improve law enforcement and upgrade security systems.
He also underlined the importance of stakeholder collaboration.
“I think the emphasis should be on the way forward where we as a municipality can get the input from all the stakeholders but more specifically also from the student community. The students are part of the town's livelihood, and you are also a big stakeholder in our town. And that is something that is very important for this municipality."
Zahn Marais, Vice-Chairperson of the SRC Prim Committee, said “it was amazing to see the willingness of all partners in the Stellenbosch area to take hands with the students and discuss common problems we all face and most importantly, solutions.
“Looking forward, we aim to work with the information we've gotten and create innovative solutions that assist with the transformative student experience."
Representatives of SAPS encouraged students to report crimes, look after their valuables and be vigilant.
?
