Western Cape, 25 July 2026; This week, the South African Police Service (SAPS), in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), launched a Campus Community Safety Forum at the West Coast TVET College.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner for Western Cape, Major General Luyanda Damoyi led the two-day launch engagement and was accompanied by the Principal of West Coast TVET College, Mr Lungisa Mbulawa, the Regional Commissioner Department of Correctional Services for the Western Cape, Advocate Chantelle Williams-Paulse, National Head: Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, West Coast District Commissioner, Major General Sizakhele Dyantyi, as well as senior SAPS and campus management, stakeholders and students.
The forum was launched at the college’s Vredenburg campus, with simultaneous participation from sister campuses in Atlantis, Citrusdal, Malmesbury, and Vredendal.
This initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between law enforcement, institutions of higher learning, and communities towards safer learning environments across the country.
Speaking at the launch, the Principal of West Coast TVET College, Mr Lungisa Mbulawa, said that institutions of higher learning have both the opportunity and responsibility to proactively join hands with the SAPS to create safer environments for students and staff members, both on and off campus.
In his keynote address, Major General Damoyi emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in preventing and combating crime such as gender-based violence, theft, and substance abuse.
“A campus is more than a place of study – it is where friendships are built, careers begin, and futures take shape. Safety is therefore essential. While SAPS carries the constitutional duty to protect, true crime prevention requires collaboration. This forum embodies that spirit,” said Maj Gen Damoyi.
Maj Gen Damoyi further encouraged student involvement and said: “Safety structures succeed only with your active participation. Report crime, support peers, make responsible choices, and be positive influences.”
The programme also included a career exhibition, showcasing diverse opportunities within policing – from investigations and forensic science to technology, communication, and community engagement.
This week’s launch marks the beginning of a long-term journey to strengthen campus safety across the West Coast region.
Success will be measured in stronger partnerships, safer campuses, and meaningful interventions that will benefit students and staff at all five campuses.
SAPS, in close collaboration with DHET, will next week launch a Campus Community Safety Forum at the University of Mpumalanga’s Mbombela Campus, from 29 to 30 July 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to create safer learning environments across South Africa.
Compiled by Thabo Moetji
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