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10 May 2024 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Supplied
Security Policy 2024
Security Policy ensures a safe haven for learning and growth at the University of the Free State.

Fostering an environment conducive to high-quality learning and teaching is paramount at the University of the Free State (UFS). “This commitment extends beyond academic pursuits to encompass the well-being and safety of every member of our university community,” says Cobus van Jaarsveld, Deputy Director of Threat Detection, Investigations, Compliance, and Liaison at the Department of Protection Services.

The university’s dedication to safety in alignment with Vision 130, our Strategic Plan 2023-2028. Protection Services at UFS adheres to a standard of excellence in all aspects of university life. “We prioritise integrity, accountability, and responsibility, striving to create an environment where the happiness and the well-being of our community are central,” adds Van Jaarsveld.

To uphold these values effectively, UFS has initiated a review of the Security Policy, reflecting a renewed approach to safety and security. This policy aims to enhance the UFS experience by ensuring the safety and security of individuals, property, and information across all campuses, satellite sites, and university premises.

Foundational principles

The Security Policy is built upon several core principles. These include a commitment to excellence, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and national legislation, as well as prioritising safety across UFS locations. Partnerships with stakeholders are emphasised to effectively address security challenges. Additionally, the policy highlights universal access, aiming to make safety measures accessible to all members of the university community, including those with disabilities.

Aim and strategies of the policy

The aim of the Security Policy is multifaceted. It seeks to establish a unified approach to safety and security, engaging all pertinent stakeholders in a coordinated effort. Furthermore, the policy endeavours to bolster infrastructure and equip security personnel with the necessary resources to preemptively identify and address potential threats. It also strives to cultivate a culture of heightened security consciousness and active community participation. Compliance with pertinent legislation, particularly in areas such as firearm control, is prioritised. The execution of all security-related functions is entrusted to Protection Services as outlined within the policy framework.

Protection Services personnel are tasked with:

• Identifying and assessing security risks.
• Issuing early warnings and incident reports.
• Responding to emergencies and investigating incidents.
• Developing and implementing security guidelines and protocols.
• Educating and raising awareness within the university community.

• Supporting off-campus students in emergencies and reporting incidents.

At UFS, safety and security are not just policies; they are foundational elements of the university’s commitment to excellence and community well-being. Through collaboration, vigilance, and a proactive approach, the UFS strives to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to a brighter future.

Contact Protection Services 

Bloemfontein Campus Protection Services: +27 51 401 2911 or +27 51 401 2634
South Campus Protection Services: +27 51 505 1217 
Qwaqwa Campus Protection Services: +27 58 718 5460 or +27 58 718 5175

Click to view documentClick here to download the UFS Security Policy.


News Archive

Charlotte Maxeke Memorial Lecture launches national Women’s Month Celebrations
2012-08-17

Free State Premier Ace Magashule with President Jacob Zuma during the Charlotte Maxeke Memorial Lecture held on the Bloemfontein Campus.
Photo: Stephen Collett
6 August 2012

 

“Mother of African Freedom, heroine, teacher, unifier and true revolutionary.”

That is how dignitaries such as President Jacob Zuma, African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga and others described Charlotte Maxeke, the woman they came to celebrate at the University of the Free State on 4 August 2012.

President Zuma honoured the life of the ANC Women’s League stalwart in delivering the fifth annual Charlotte Maxeke Memorial Lecture. The event officially kicked off the national Women’s Month celebrations and thousands of people made their way to the Bloemfontein Campus to listen to the President’s address.

President Zuma told the audience in the Callie Human Centre that women activism had not started with the 1956 march to the Union Buildings – it began much earlier. He spoke about Charlotte Maxeke’s leading role in the landmark 1913 march against pass laws in Bloemfontein and said this had inspired bravery and enthusiasm in the hearts of many in the struggle.

“As a collective, we must emulate the contribution of Mama Maxeke. In her honour, we must continue to open new paths for women, enable them to break new ground in leadership." President Zuma said Charlotte Maxeke, who believed a woman’s place was everywhere, had to be smiling with regard to Dr Dlamini Zuma’s appointment as Chairperson of the AU Commission.

In her speech, Dr Dlamini Zuma encouraged women to embrace the African Decade of Women, saying it was their responsibility to define and implement the changes they want to see. “We should define for ourselves what this decade means, define that we want to do, the role we want to play and achieve during this decade.”

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