An evaluation of community safety initiatives on student safety at the University of Limpopo

Abstract

The purpose of this study is based on an evaluation of community safety initiatives for student safety in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The aim of this study was to evaluate community safety initiatives for student safety at the University of Limpopo (UL). Whereas, the objectives of this study were) as follows: (1) To determine whether the community safety initiatives for the safety of UL students are able to work together to combat crimes, (2) To assess the challenges associated with community safety initiatives for students’ safety at UL and; (3) To analyse crime prevention strategies, as employed by community safety initiatives to ensure the students’ safety at UL. This was done to determine whether the community safety initiatives for the safety of UL students are able to work together to combat crimes, to assess the challenges associated with community safety initiatives for students’ safety and to analyse crime prevention strategies, as employed by community safety initiatives to ensure the students’ safety at UL. This study employed a phenomenological research design and qualitative research approach, with other related methodologies to achieve the stated aim and objectives. While using non-probability sampling techniques, namely, purposive and snowball sampling techniques, Thirteen (13) participants were selected for the study. Data was collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews and open unstructured interviews following an interview schedule guide. The collected data was analysed and interpreted using qualitative phenomenological data analysis, coupled with inductive Thematic Content Analysis (TCA). A recording device (Cellphone) was used to aid the data collection procedures and for safe-keeping purposes. This study shows that students face serious crimes which affect their daily lives and which escalate to the community afterwards, i.e. crimes such as rape, sexual harassment, sexual assault, house breaking, and robbery; and that most students became victims of such pointed crimes. Findings from the research showed that such crimes affected the daily lives of students and the community as a whole. The study further illustrates that community safety initiatives, together with UL safety and security, are doing all they can to ensure the safety of the students. vi It is recommended that the safety of the students is an important priority for the UL management and the community of Mankweng as a whole. Moreover, the UL students should work together to combat crimes affecting them and the immediate community. It is envisaged that this proposed working relationship will allow them, together with other relevant stakeholders, to assess available challenges associated with community safety initiatives for students’ safety at UL and to analyse the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies, as employed to ensure the safety of these students, whether reactive or proactive. It is also noted that the UL Department of Safety and Security is doing its best to ensure that all students who reside on-and-off campus are kept safe at all times even though it is not easy to protect everywhere where the students reside.