The department has noted with concern and shock the killing of two female students of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) at a private residence leased by the university. The department sends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased students and the University community.
The department condemns the killings of students on and off campus residences of our institutions. We therefore call upon the University Management, the campus community and the society to ensure the safety of students residing in both on- and off-campus residences. The Management must also ensure that effective on-campus security and controls are in place, and must engage with local authorities to ensure that the surrounding areas are safe. We further call on the South African Police Services (SAPS) to speedily investigate and arrest the perpetrators and ensure they face the full might of the law.
We acknowledge the commitment of the University Management to improve the on-campus security. The management can still do better to ensure the security of our children both on and off campus. The department acknowledges the lack of sufficient and adequate on-campus housing in the post-school education and training sector. This shortage has resulted in the creation of significant health and safety risks for students, amongst other things.
In addition, private residence provision in the South African higher education landscape must be regulated by the individual institutions and safety and security must be top priority. Post-school education and training institutions must take heed of the recommendations of the “Report on the Ministerial committee for the review of the provision of Student housing at South African universities”, which include, amongst others, the setting of minimum standards for student housing and accommodation to all providers of student housing, both public and private residence as well as a private student accommodation accreditation system.
Enquiries: Khaye Nkwanyana
Tel: 012 312 5555
Cell: 083 952 9723
E-mail: Nkwanyana.K@dhet.gov.za
