Bloemfontein: The Deputy Minister of Police, Honourable Cassel Mathale, recently inaugurated the Campus Community Safety Forum at the University of the Free State (UFS), marking a significant step in enhancing safety within educational institutions. The initiative, also known as the Campus Safety Team, is a collaborative effort aimed at addressing crime, particularly gender-based violence, on campuses.

According to South African Police Service, the Deputy Minister expressed regret for missing the initial discussions due to commitments in Parliament but emphasized the importance of the initiative as a strategic intervention by the South Africa Police Service. The initiative is in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training and other stakeholders. The forum is intended to foster a holistic approach to combat crime, involving the entire university community in its implementation.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the severe impact of crime on the quality of life, particularly for the poor and vulnerable, and cited former President Nelson Mandela’s words on the incomplete nature of freedom while crime persists. He reiterated the need for a comprehensive strategy, involving legislation, policy review, and community participation, to address crime and its root causes, particularly within institutions of higher learning.

The Integrated Youth Crime Prevention Strategy was mentioned as a crucial element in addressing youth criminality, with a focus on youth development and community engagement. The Deputy Minister urged the university community to actively participate in crime prevention initiatives and commended the UFS for its enthusiastic reception of the partnership since 2018.

As part of the government’s broader efforts, the Deputy Minister noted the recruitment of over 25,000 new police trainees to enhance the capacity of the South African Police Service. However, he stressed that community involvement is crucial for the success of crime prevention initiatives.

The Deputy Minister also addressed the issue of gender-based violence, acknowledging it as a serious pandemic. He highlighted the need for awareness campaigns to encourage victims to speak up and commended the UFS for its zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based violence. He encouraged other institutions to emulate UFS in implementing similar initiatives.

The event underscored the importance of a multi-faceted approach to crime prevention, involving legislative, strategic, and community-based efforts. The Deputy Minister concluded by challenging other institutions to adopt similar programmes to ensure a safe and secure environment for all students and staff.