The North-West University’s (NWU's) Vanderbijlpark Campus has partnered with the Vaal Business Corporation (VBC) to enhance the security of the campus and surrounding area. The VBC is a non-profit organisation that was set up by businesses in Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark to uplift the Vaal area.
The VBC and NWU partnership aims to install an integrated security system that will form part of the ever-expanding Vaal-wide Security System project driven by the VBC. This project will use the services of Alcor Technologies to install and maintain a cost-effective integrated security solution This system t will have a Joint Information Centre (JIS), a linked Automatic Number-plate Recognition (ANPR) Surveillance System, and will enable community participation in the mobilisation of resources-coordinated response between the South African Police Services, task teams and local security companies. Prof Linda du Plessis, vice-principal and deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations, says this initiative forms part of the campus Security Enhancement project aimed at creating a safe “purple route” for staff and students once they leave the campus. "This project is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come. The implementation of this system will also help to reduce traffic congestion and improve transportation efficiency on campus,” she says.
“Through the collective efforts of all stakeholders and community members, our campus protection services can identify patterns and trends in criminal activity, allowing them to take proactive measures to prevent crime before it happens. This will help to create a safer and more secure environment for everyone on campus.
She says a safer environment for the community will immediately provide a platform for investment, which will in turn create jobs and benefit the economy in the Vaal.
“The NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus community is growing, and we want to play our part in providing a safe and conducive environment for our students, staff and the visitors to our campus. Creating a flourishing environment is a community-based project and cannot be owned by a single institution. Therefore, we invite other stakeholders to partner with the NWU to take further initiatives in uplifting our area," she concludes.
Prof Linda du Plessis, vice-principal and deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations, and Joseph Ntlanti, senior manager for protection services, are excited about the Purple Route taking shape.
