The COVID-19 pandemic has not just impacted on the University’s academic and research activities, but also on the commercial activities on and around its campuses. While many of the business ventures that provide services to on-campus staff, students and visitors have had to find innovative ways to continue servicing their customers, those in the vicinity of the Hatfield Campus, in particular, have been negatively affected by the absence of pedestrian traffic.

According to Mr Sandile Mthiyane, the University’s Chief Operating Officer and Chairperson of the Board of the Hatfield City Improvement District (CID), the University – through its involvement in the Hatfield CID – recognises the dire situation of small businesses in the area. It has also considered ways in which the Hatfield CID can assist businesses over this difficult time.

The Hatfield CID was established in 2004 as a non-profit organisation that is funded by the property owners within its boundaries by means of a ratepayers’ levy. It operates in partnership with the Tshwane Municipality, and cooperates with all the relevant authorities in the area, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) and the City’s Emergency Services. The University is its largest stakeholder as its properties cover the largest area of the city improvement district. The University therefore plays an important role as an anchor institution and founding member of the Hatfield CID. This has led to the establishment of the Hatfield Campus Village, which pilots urban renewal and social transformation projects around the Hatfield Campus.

During the period of approximately nine months that the Hatfield business precinct has been characterised by an absence of students and other visitors, the Board of the CID approved a payment holiday for property owners with regard to the levy that they need to pay for the services of the CID. This has assisted in alleviating their difficult situation.

Businesses and visitors to Hatfield benefit greatly from the services of the CID. This includes ensuring the safety and security of the area, as well as the cleaning, maintenance and beautification of its streets. This encourages the conducting of commercial activities in the area.

A satellite Metro police station that is operated by the SAPS on a 24/7 basis enhances community safety. Other initiatives that have succeeded in reducing the crime rate in the vicinity of the Hatfield Campus include an extensive system of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras monitored by the SAPS and members of the Hatfield CID, and the establishment of the TMPD’s Bicycle Unit. The University recently approved the funding of several additional bicycles to enhance the visible policing of Hatfield.

A new initiative to curb vehicle theft in Hatfield involves the formalisation of car guards in the immediate vicinity of the University. This project was launched when it was observed that criminals often pose as car guards, which led to an undesirable criminal element that presented a danger to students and visitors. The process was concluded, with only vetted individuals allowed to operate as car guards in the area. The CID is also working with the City of Tshwane to ensure that all Hatfield’s streetlights are in working order, as this will also ensure the safety and security of the area surrounding the University’s Hatfield Campus.

The Hatfield CID supports the Tshwane Municipality with aspects related to urban management. Its cleaning and maintenance teams operate seven days a week to ensure that the streets of Hatfield are clean and aesthetically pleasing. Their tasks include clearing litter, trimming trees and removing unwanted plant material. They also assist the Municipality in fixing potholes, and removing graffiti and illegal advertising.

A vital component of the University’s partnership with the Hatfield CID is the prevention of social and urban decay. They have therefore joined hands with religious organisations in the area, and regularly participate in social upliftment and clean-up projects. The University’s students are also involved in various community engagement projects in the area.

With the support of the Hatfield CID, the University of Pretoria is looking forward to supporting its neighbouring business community to recover from the challenges posed by the nationwide lockdown so that they can once again flourish in one of the most desirable and vibrant suburbs in the City of Tshwane.