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Security Policy strengthens safety at UFS

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 document Click here to download the UFS Security Policy.

News Archive

“Breakthroughs depend on people believing in their own ideas”

2015-07-23

TED is a renowned international non-profit organisation dedicated to disseminating “ideas worth spreading” in the form compelling talks lasting up to 18 minutes.

Lerothodi Molete’s vision is to witness the youth of Bloemfontein emerge at the forefront of technological, scientific, and entrepreneurial innovations in both South Africa and the global arena.

Molete and Bonginkosi Leeuw are the organisers of TEDxUFS. Their duty is centered on inspiring people to believe in, and express, their ideas. These University of the Free State students have taken it upon themselves to inspire the youth to “push the boundaries of society.”

The second TEDxUFS event to be hosted by the university presents a unique opportunity for students, staff members, and the general public to mingle with influential speakers from across various disciplines.

Details of the event:

Date: Saturday 1 August 2015

Time: 08:00- 18:00

Venue: Albert Wessels Auditorium, Bloemfontein Campus

The keynote speakers include: Mmusi Maimane (Federal Leader: Democratic Alliance), Gareth Cliff (Radio personality: Cliff Central), Pieter Geldenhuys (Futurist), Brian Kally (Director: Arrow Logistics), Jonathan Jansen (Vice-Chancellor and Rector: UFS), Ricardo Peach (Director: Vrystaat Arts Festival, Pamela Nomvete (Former actor and writer), Gil Oved (Founder: Creative Counsel), Pepe Marais (CEO: Joe Public), Angelo Mockie (Senior Officer: Student Affairs and musician), Philippa Tumubweinee (Senior Lecturer in Architecture: UFS), and Melody Mentz (Psychology Senior Professor: UFS).

The reason behind the #AskWhy theme

"Why is a small word but it’s a quick, broad, sharp and abrupt one,” explains Leeuw. “It is the chosen word of the non-conformist, the defiant, and the visionary. It is a confrontational word. It challenges what is thought to be impossible.”

The ability to interrogate reality is what society and economies are built on. The absence of the fear to question encourages the capacity to progress.

Motivating young people to follow their dreams is the reason why the TEDxUFS team is persistent in their endeavours. Molete believes that, in order to change anything, people need to ask why.

Background of the innovation powerhouse called TED(x)

TED is a renowned international non-profit organisation dedicated to disseminating “ideas worth spreading” in the form compelling talks lasting up to 18 minutes.

In 1984, it was introduced as a conference exploring Technology, Entertainment, and Design. Three decades later, TED covers a wide variety of topics of global significance, reflecting the contemporary era in more than 100 languages.

TEDx events are under the TED umbrella. These events are organised independently, and create a platform for deliberating on local matters. The programme assists communities, organisations, and individuals to stimulate critical dialogue.

On 25 July 2014, the UFS hosted its inaugural TEDxUFS conference at the Odeion theatre on the Bloemfontein Campus, where eleven speakers addressed an audience of 150 people on interdisciplinary topics ranging from economics to entrepreneurship, technology, art, design, and theology.

This year, 200 seats will be available for innovative revolutionary individuals in search of inspiration.

Tickets are available at 0619284253 / 079 381 4126. Prices: R80 (Student/scholars) and R350 (Public/staff)

LINKS:

Lerothodi Molete- http://whoswho.co.za/lerothodi-molete-742022

Bonginkosi Leeuw- https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/10499

TEDxUFS- http://kovsielife.ufs.ac.za/templates/archive.aspx?news=276

Mmusi Maimane- http://whoswho.co.za/mmusi-maimane-44612

Garett Cliff- http://www.garethcliff.com/

Pieter Geldenhuys- http://pietergeldenhuys.com/

Brian Kally- https://za.linkedin.com/pub/brian-kally/4b/888/959

Jonathan Jansen- http://www.ufs.ac.za/adhoc-pages/rectorate/prof-(jd)-jonathan-jansen

Ricardo Peach- http://ricardopeach.com/

Pamela Nomvete- http://whoswho.co.za/pamela-nomvete-4789

Gil Ovid- https://za.linkedin.com/pub/gil-oved/3/910/892

Pepe Marais- http://joepublic.co.za/people

Angelo Mockie- https://za.linkedin.com/pub/angelo-mockie/27/56/302

PhilippaTumubweinee- http://natagri.ufs.ac.za/templates/staffmember.aspx?DCode=101&pid=zyNJm7KI%2b1k%3d

Melody Mentz- https://za.linkedin.com/in/melodymentz

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