The Director of the Department of Security Services, Mr Colin Fouché, described the University of Pretoria as not only the pillar of academic excellence but also of economic wealth within the greater Tshwane district. He said that, although the university is renowned for its learning and research and also for its community outreach programmes, it has also become critical to associate itself with stability by ensuring a safe a secure environment for students and personnel.

“Given the extent of crime in South Africa, the University of Pretoria appreciates the incorporation of other stakeholers, such as the SAPS and the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department, which contributes to the promotion of a safe and secure environment to its boundaries’, said Mr Fouché.

The University is actively involved in various strategic initiatives aimed at creating a safe learning and living environment for all its students. Some of these initiatives include the Hatfield Community Court and the Hatfield City Improvement District, which entails close collaboration with the Brooklyn SAPS, the City of Tshwane, the Metropolitan Municipality, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, and Correctional Services, as well as local businesses. On a more operational level, UP’s Department of Security Services closely collaborates with the Brooklyn SAPS to improve the safety and security on all the University’s campuses and in its residences, as well as the surrounding environment, and constantly monitors existing security measures in an attempt to identify and address undesirable activities, both social and criminal.

Mr Fouché thanked members from the department for their diligence, loyalty and their discipline even when faced with major operational challenges. He further expressed his wish to see growth in his department and also to honour its mission:

To see more than what others see
To see further than what others see
To see first before others see

The Long Service Awards were given to three employees:

Mr Patrick Aphane for 30 years’ service
Mr Johan Boonzaaier for 20 years’ service
Mr Reuben Msume for 10 years’ service

The Monthly Awards: Protector of the Month (Custos Universitatis Praetoriae Huius Mensis) were given to the following personnel at the security services:

July:

CJ Myburgh

August:

SG Maphothoma

September:

JM Letsoalo
JJJMW Pretorius
CT Mabuza
ME Kekana
JCN BoonzaaierOctober:

P Msibi
CJ Colyn
JM Mashabela
E de Beer

November:

LLA Meyer
MC More
R Watson

The awards to honour loyal support and the promotion of interest of the University of Pretoria were also given to the following recipients from different stakeholders:

Brigadier Andre Wiese – Station Commissioner, Brooklyn SAPS
Colonel Andrew Lesch – Head, Visible Policing Brooklyn SAPS
Colonel SA Masuluke – Head, Detective Services Brooklyn SAPS
Mr Pierre Mondriaan – Regional Director Social Development Implementation City of Tshwane
Mr Danie Basson – Chief Operations Officer, Hatfield City Improvement District

The last Protector of the Year award (Custos Universitatis Praetoriae Huius Anni) was given to Mrs Elmarie de Beer.