Stellenbosch University regards the safety of students and staff of the utmost importance. A dedicated, highly trained security team patrols the grounds of the University. They are supported by a 24/7 operational centre that handles all emergency calls, monitors alarm activations and CCTV systems.
Due to Stellenbosch University's open campus, which is closely integrated with the Stellenbosch central business district and surrounding areas, the University has established a strong partnership with local law enforcement and security agencies to ensure comprehensive coverage and safety throughout the greater Stellenbosch area.
Over the past few years, the University has dedicated a substantial amount of time, energy and resources to enhance safety and security measures. These measures are continuously being reviewed and include identifying major or new trends and adjusting security and safety strategies accordingly to ensure the safety of our students and staff on campus.
On this page, you will find detail regarding resources, initiatives and security measures in place at SU. If you have any additional enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at campussafety@sun.ac.za.
Follow these safety tips on campus:
- Never walk alone, especially at night. Plan to walk in groups, use the shuttle service, or request Campus Security to escort you (walk-with service).
- Avoid isolated areas, especially when you exercise early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Always carry a whistle and pepper spray to enable you to draw attention if needed. Criminals hate attention!
- Choose the safest route, even if it is not the shortest.
- Be conscious of your immediate environment as criminals prefer to target those who are not aware of their direct surroundings.
- Keep a safe distance if a motorist asks for directions.
- If you suspect that someone might be following you, change direction, walk towards people and ask for help.
- Be a caring Matie – accompany a friend.
- Valuable items left inside a vehicle are tempting to a thief. Refrain from leaving valuable items inside your vehicle. See to it that your vehicle is properly locked after parking and before leaving.
- Invest in a U-lock to safeguard your bicycle and make use of bicycle sheds on campus.
- When walking on campus, stick to the preferred routes which is Victoria Street and Bosman Street where security officers are stationed in mobile security kiosks at night.
- Think like a thief who tries to find the softest target.
- Do not display your valuables and keep belongings close.
- Do not walk and talk on a cell phone.
- Always carry a small rechargeable flashlight.
- Always tell a friend or two where you are going.
- Report all incidents to SAPS and to Campus Security who will follow up on leads by, amongst other things, studying CCTV footage of suspects where possible.
Frequently asked questions
1. What security measures are in place to assist students?
For security reasons, SU cannot provide information on all security measures. Nevertheless, over 60 inhouse staff security members are patrolling the University campuses, together with more than 200 specialist security contract staff.
Walk-with service
SU actively promotes the University’s Walk-With service available every evening from 18:00 onwards. Students can request to be accompanied by a security officer at night, when walking between buildings or on parking areas on campus. This free service is available on campus throughout the year. Students can request an escort via WhatsApp on 082 808 2333.
An additional “walk-together-express" is available during examination times on the hour starting from 19:00 daily. Students can meet at the security kiosk outside the Jan Mouton building from where a security staff member will accompany groups enroute to various destinations on campus. (This service does not replace the normal walk-with service.)
Campus shuttles
SU encourages students to make use of the night shuttle service available on campus daily from 18:00 to 02:00. The shuttle departs every hour on the hour from the Neelsie parking area, and travels within a radius of 6 km from the campus area to transport students safely to their place of residence or student accommodation. This service is free, but students need to book this service in advance. Click here for the shuttle schedule and here for the routes. This service is not available during recess.
There is also a daily shuttle available for students from 07:00 until 17:00. Find the schedule here.
2. What more can be done about the varying, sometimes increasing crime trends?
While the University is continuously creating awareness and addressing safety concerns on campus in conjunction with other security agencies in town, it views students, staff and the public as partners in this process and call on them to remain watchful and to be vigilant and active partners in campus safety. This includes taking responsibility for their personal safety on campus and in town – even more so at night.
Via Campus Security, the University is a member of the Stellenbosch Security Network where the various safety partners share security information. Campus Security may, however, only patrol the campus. In terms of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) regulations, Campus Security is confined to conduct security operations within the University campus area. Watch the night patrol SU security service video here.
3. What else is the University doing to promote safety awareness?
Regular actions and initiatives taken by the University include the following:
Crime prevention and awareness during Welcoming Week: Campus Security conducts information sessions with student leaders and groups of newcomers to provide information on self-defence training and to promote personal safety applications such as Buzzer and pepper spray.
Harnessing social media for campus safety awareness: Campus Security uses social media to create awareness and promote vigilance among the campus community. Platforms used to communicate best practices and crime prevention tips include the University’s Facebook page, Instagram and TikTok (see examples of posts and videos below). TikTok allows Campus Security to reach a large demographic, as it is very popular among young adults. The short videos posted on this platform received nearly 1 000 views. Watch the video here.
4. Is there any collaboration with the Stellenbosch municipality and SAPS to address this issue?
Recognising that safety is a shared responsibility, the University collaborates closely with key stakeholders in town, including through regular discussions at security forums and the Mayor/Rector Forum – to ensure a comprehensive approach to safety. SU will not cease to collaborate actively with the rest of the role players in town and dedicate the necessary resources towards ensuring the safety of its students. SU is also appreciative of the fact that SAPS and its security partners are working tirelessly to investigate these matters.
5. Where can staff and students report incidents of gender-based violence?
The University’s Equality Unit implements SU's policies on harassment and discrimination and provides various services and support to students and staff. Click here to read more.
Students also have access to the SU INSPIRE Facility (also see this link) within the Stellenbosch GBV Centre in Ida’s Valley, Stellenbosch.