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19 March 2021 | Story Cobus van Jaarsveld

As students are returning to campus, Cobus van Jaarsveld, Assistant Director: Threat Detection, Investigations and Liaison at Protection Services, believes it is important that they ‘know’ and practise safety at the UFS:

1) Know the number of your Department of Protection Services:

• Bloemfontein Campus: +27 51 401 2911(also in cases of GBV)
• Qwaqwa Campus: +27 58 718 5032 / 5029 / 5033
• South Campus: +27 51 505 1298

Protection Services staff are the experts on campus safety, and they are able to point out the safest routes on and around campus, especially after dark. They can also assist with any safety concerns you may have.

As a student, you are smart; use your senses:
o Never let a stranger in your room or apartment
o Never walk alone after dark.

2) Know how to use alcohol

Although drinking and driving is a big NO, there are some other cardinal facts about drinking that you need to take note of:

• Never consume a drink provided by a stranger
• Never leave a drink unattended
• Never drink too much too quickly
• Always leave a party with a buddy

3) Know the basics of personal finance

You will be bombarded with offers from credit card companies, clothing stores, etc. Know how to budget. If you do not know how to budget, please contact the Student Counselling and Development office to assist you. This skill will not only make your life easier at varsity, but also once you start earning an income.

Be aware of fraud. If something looks too good to be true, it often is.

Watch your wallet. Theft or robbery is a possibility.

4) Know how to be safe on the internet

You are spending a lot of time on the internet. Unfortunately, criminals are also spending time in cyberspace with the aim of taking advantage of unsuspecting people like you. This may include cyberstalking, which may lead to emotional or physical harm, or it may result in them taking your information or money through phishing scams. Do not become a victim and ensure that you
- never use the same password twice;
- never use unsecured Wi-Fi to access private accounts;
- always use passwords that are difficult to guess;
- never reveal important information such as your banking login details to strangers calling on the phone; and
- never mention your location online.

5) Know basic self-defence

Avoid being the victim of any form of harassment or assault. Learning basic self-defence techniques will help you to protect yourself from physical attacks.

Protection Services offer self-defence classes from time to time. Make use of the opportunity and equip yourself with these self-defence techniques. Also buy yourself pepper spray, which can give you time to escape.

“Lastly, be aware of your surroundings. Walk with a purpose, without headphones, and always pay attention,” says Van Jaarsveld.



News Archive

State of our campuses
2016-05-13

16 May 2016: Qwaqwa Campus reopens on Wednesday 18 May 2016

The Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) will reopen residences on Wednesday 18 May 2016 from 12:00 for occupation by registered students.

 

12 May 2016: Qwaqwa Campus closed until further notice

Students and staff were instructed to leave the campus with immediate effect.

 

16 March 2016: Investigations into incidents on the Bloemfontein Campus: 22-26 February 2016

Investigations underway into incidents relating to the Varsity Cup rugby match at Xerox Shimla Park and all other criminal acts occurring during protest action

 

04 March 2016: Letter from Emma Sadleir, Social Media Law Consultant

Letter from Emma Sadleir, Social Media Law consultant

 

04 March 2016: Extension of the academic calendar

Academic calendar extended by one week

 

04 March 2016: UFS urges individuals to come forward with evidence

UFS urges individuals to come forward with evidence about incidents on the Bloemfontein Campus last week

 

29 February 2016: Confirmation of the security arrangements on the Bloemfontein and South Campuses for the week

As communicated yesterday, herewith confirmation of the security arrangements.

 

29 February 2016:  Statement by the senior leadership of the University of the Free State

Statement by the senior leadership of the University of the Free State regarding the situation on the Bloemfontein Campus

 

28 February 2016: Academic and security arrangements

Academic and security arrangements on the Bloemfontein and South Campuses for the coming week

 

28 February 2016: Letter to parents

Letter to parents from Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS

 

28 February 2016: Availability of academic and security arrangements

Information about academic and security arrangements on Bloemfontein and South Campuses will be communicated by 14:00.

 

25 February 2016: UFS management and contract workers reach agreement

Earlier today, the management of the University of the Free (UFS) reached an agreement with contract workers

 

24 February 2016: Kovsies gather in prayer

Kovsie students gathered at the Bloemfontein Campus Main Gate to unite in prayer

 

24 February 2016: UFS Bloemfontein and South Campuses closed from 25 to 26 February 2016

To reopen on Monday 29 February 2016

 

23 February 2016: A statement by Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS)

Situation on the Bloemfontein Campus

 

23 February 2016: Situation on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus under control after further disruptions

The safety of students in residences on campus is the major concern for the senior leadership of the university

 

22 February 2016: Varsity Cup rugby match between FNB Shimlas and FNB NMMU Madibaz disrupted

The Varsity Cup match between the FNB Shimlas and FNB NMMU Madibaz was disrupted in the 17th minute when a group of protesters moved onto the field in order to disrupt the match already underway.

 

22 February 2016: UFS Bloemfontein and South Campuses closed from 23 to 24 February 2016

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Bloemfontein and South Campuses will be closed from 23 to 24 February 2016.

 

22 February 2016: Update on situation on the Bloemfontein Campus

Striking outsourced contract workers have been demonstrating outside the Main Gate of the Bloemfontein Campus

21 February 2016:  Strike by outsourced contract workers on the Bloemfontein Campus

All academic and administrative services will continue as normal.

 

18 February 2016: Protest by contract workers on the Bloemfontein Campus

A group of mostly contract workers protested on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State.


25 January 2016: No incidents on the three UFS campuses

Comparative figures still indicate that day-to-day registration compares well with that of 2015.

 

19 January 2016: Campus activities are continuing as normal

Registration process is progressing well 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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