The beautiful Stellenbosch University (SU): no fences to block the aesthetic passageway of Victoria Street. It’s a welcoming atmosphere in a thriving town, but at what cost?
SU students have raised concerns about safety on campus, particularly at night, even to walk to their cars located in the residences parking lot. This shows concern for the nature of an open campus, posing security threats to students. In an interview with fellow Maties student, Oliver Pritchett studying BSc Conservation Ecology and Entomology, he explains how he appreciates the “free roaming” nature of an open campus but does not think that this outweighs the issues posed. Particularly at night, he notices that the open campus has led to many incidents of crime inflicted on students.
Looking at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Alex Sinclair-Smith, studying Mathematics, explains the nature of the university to be both an open and closed campus. Access is open to the public, but limited to a singular point, and fencing blocks access from the mountain. She explains it to be highly social but “super busy” and “stressful” with an “absolute crowd,” particularly on their “Plaza.” The student adds how she has never felt “unsafe” and that the university emphasises safety and has their own Campus Security equivalent. UCT also includes multiple locations such as the medical campus and art campus that have “perimeter fencing,” suggesting the nature of a closed campus.
The North-West University (NWU) takes security even more seriously. The entire campus is gated, requiring student cards for entry. A first-year BEd student at NWU, Annemé van Rooyen, explains how she feels “extremely safe,” with minimal crime and limited exposure to non-university individuals – despite the campus stretching across a broad area.
The contrast between SU and NWU couldn’t be clearer, whereas UCT shows both its similarities and differences from SU. While SU may offer freedom, it also offers vulnerability. Yes, we enjoy the ambiance of a town-campus blend, but is that worth the unease of walking home with your heart racing?
While the openness and sense of community at Stellenbosch University are valued by many, there is growing concern that freedom with less security is no freedom at all. We are in the 21st century, and with crime as rampant as ever, safety must become a priority – not an afterthought.
By Hannerie Rossouw & Nina Welsh
