By Emma Olivier
While Stellenbosch’s nightlife can inspire and bring people together, it remains essential to keep responsible partying and safety in mind when going out on the town.
Keep it cool, keep it covered Letting your guard down is the last thing you want to do on a night out. Give yourself a drink limit beforehand to prevent things from getting out of control. Always keep your drink in sight and cover it with your hand when you walk around. Additionally, staying hydrated is vital. If you choose to consume alcohol, having a glass of water after every drink would be a good idea.
Get home safely Before going out, tell someone where you will be going. You can even share your location on your phone with a friend, like with the Life360 app. Make sure to have a designated driver in your group or order an Uber, because if you think you can drive drunk, no, you can’t! If you do not have access to transport and you must walk, never do so alone. Walk at a quick pace in groups with people you know.
Hop over to the Red Frogs Red Frogs are a support group for young people and promote positive behaviour in spaces where alcohol is present. They often have a station set up on the corner of Victoria and Andringa Street during Golden Week. If you spot their station, you can go over and ask for assistance if needed, or just get hydrated, have a chat, and connect with other students in a safe space.
Know the numbers
- Campus Security 24-hour emergency number – 021 808 2333
- Toll-free number – 0800 025 827
- WhatsApp walk-with service – 082 808 2333
- Winelands Safety Initiative – 021 886 8976
- Emergency services – 10177 (toll free) or 112 (cellphone)
App options for emergency assistance The Buzzer app allows users to send SOS signals, report incidents in their community, and see alerts regarding incidents near them. Working with the Winelands Safety Initiative, a non-profit organization for a safer and improved Stellenbosch environment, the app sends a signal to a control room from which the necessary services can collaborate and send a response to aid users. The Buzzer-App YouTube channel provides a useful walkthrough of the app to demonstrate how it works.
These pointers can be helpful in an emergency and help to cultivate a safer Stellenbosch nightlife.
