Mafikeng Campus marched against crime

On 24 May 2012 NWU’s Mafikeng Campus came to a standstill when staff and students participated in a crime awareness march. The march, which was preceded by an inter-faith prayer session, started at the main entrance of the Campus before heading to the Provincial Legislature where a memorandum of complaints about criminal activities in the area was handed over.

Campus Rector Prof Dan Kgwadi handed the memorandum to the Speaker of Legislature, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, and the MEC for Education, Ms Louisa Mabe.

The escalation of criminal activities such as assault and robbery in the Mafikeng area recently gave rise to a series of consultations with stakeholders. The University also conducted a research project on the challenges presented by, and the impact of, crime in the area. In an attempt to tackle the problem, a partnership was forged between North-West University’s Mafikeng Campus and the North West Provincial Government. Other partners include the North West Social Security Cluster comprising the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Public Safety and Liaison Department.

“The University has worked hard to create a safe environment on campus, but the time has come to also take safety precautions off-campus where most of our students reside,” Prof Kgwadi said. Students were often robbed of their belongings, including essential study aids such as laptops. He added that the University was committed to assisting with issues concerning the Mafikeng community.

Mr Mahumapelo commended the University on what he called a ‘bold move’. “We cannot fold our arms while community members, particularly students, fall victim to criminals.” While signing the memorandum on behalf of the premier, Ms Mabe said the provincial executive would respond to the matter in due course.

Already the University and SAPS have identified hot spots where the streets will be regularly patrolled to curb criminal activities. The University is also working closely with other local education institutions such as Mmabatho College of Nursing and Taletso Further Education and Training College.