The proud tactical task team of the Protection Services department on the Potchefstroom Campus is committed to keeping staff and students safe. At the back are Mongezi Bobi, Des Ayob, Florah Bathobakae and Ezekiel Motaung. In front are Victor Motlhamme, Kenny Maake, Pieter van der Merwe and Tshidizo Luvha.

They serve and protect in smart new attire

The Protection Services department on the Potchefstroom Campus has recently donned brand-new uniforms. Des Ayob, director for protection services, says the uniforms symbolise a brand-new image and a renewed ethos and commitment to protecting all that the NWU holds dear.

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“We want the NWU’s staff and students to not only see our brand-new uniforms but also the changes in the Protection Services officials’ hearts and attitude.”

Des says his department has a new vision that will ensure best practices in client services.

 

“Protection Services has embarked on various training programmes that are still ongoing. The first of these started in 2015 and entails workshops and essential skills training.”

 

He says staff training is necessary because conditions have changed. “The training addresses new challenges such as crowd control and crime scene management.”

 

Different uniforms for specialised services

 

Jak Jansen van Vuuren, section head, says the department’s staff started wearing their new uniforms on 1 September.

 

The director, supervisors and managers wear white shirts and black pants. Other Protection Services staff can be identified by their blue shirts and black pants. The tactical response team only wears camouflaged uniforms when they are involved in specialised crime prevention programmes and during special events.

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More than guards at the gate

 

“Many people underestimate the role and importance of a protection department. They consider Protection Services to only be the guards at the gate, but don’t realise that all of the Protection Services staff are highly trained and deserve respect,” says Jak.

 

He emphasises that every committed staff member of the protection services departments on all three NWU campuses is highly qualified to protect university property, staff, students and visitors.

 

Students and staff have already embraced the new look. Des says they have received many compliments, especially from students who say they like the new image. “This makes us very proud to be part of a well-equipped team,” he concludes.

Members of Protection Services are very proud of their new uniforms. Proudly showing off their new outfits are Kevin Selole, shift supervisor, Victor Motlhamme, tactical response officer, Des Ayob, director, and Jochemus Taljaard, supervisor for investigations.

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