Plans to improve student safety at universities - Nzimande

On Monday, Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande sat with the family of the slain second-year student David Nxumalo, and visited the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital where another student who survived the ordeal is being treated.

Eighteen-year-old Dimpho Mosia is said to be recovering well after he was struck in the face by a stray bullet while driving along Jorissen Street in a student bus that was ferrying students from UJ’s Kingsway Campus to the nearby Nukerk private student residence on Nugget Street.

The minister conceded more could be done to improve security at the country's tertiary institutions and in student communities.

Nzimande stressed that his department has held high-level meetings with officials from the police and other stakeholders to discuss security concerns and try to find solutions.

“We've already held two safety and security summits with our universities, and I am still more than convinced that in order to try and make our campuses safer we need to build safety and security committees - something similar to community policing forum structures."

Elaborating on this, deputy director-general in the Department of Higher Education and Training Dr Marcia Socikwa said they ahead agreed with the heads of security at institutions in the university precinct, comprised of the University of Witwatersrand and UJ, that security measures to curb muggings, and other serious crimes affecting, students must be enhanced.

“We are going to have common security protocols. Once that work is finalised we will have a blueprint for the entire sector. Hopefully, that will enhance security and safety for our students.

“We are also working closely with higher health, with psychological and emotional support.”

At the same time, Nzimande said he was pleased to see that the wounded student, who was supported by his mother and sister, was recovering well.

“This actually to me is a reminder for us as a country that without the mothers we would not be making the kind of progress that we are making as a country.

“The fact that in the two instances, it’s the mothers who are playing a leading role is something that is very important to remind us that by supporting the mothers and not abusing them, we are building a caring nation.”

UJ Vice-Chancellor Letlhokwa Mpedi said the university would be offering the necessary support to Mosia as he recovers.

He said the Humanities student would also receive academic support once he is ready to resume his studies.

Mpedi said although he was in good spirits, the teenager was still in shock.

“He didn’t say much. He’s still traumatised. We also spoke to the family and they are also in shock.”

Health officials at the hospital were cautious not to divulge details of Mosia’s medical condition, however, hospital chief executive officer Gladys Bogoshi revealed that the student was receiving specialist medical attention for his eye.

Meanwhile, the university said support concerning the slain student would include assisting with transport to the funeral, among other arrangements, through working closely with the Nxumalo family.

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