Your safety
At SU our students's safety is our top PRIORITY
Stellenbosch University regards the safety of students and staff of the utmost importance. A dedicated, highly trained security team patrols the grounds of the University. They are supported by a 24/7 operational centre that handles all emergency calls, monitors alarm activations and CCTV systems.
Due to Stellenbosch University's open campus, which is closely integrated with the Stellenbosch central business district and surrounding areas, the University has established a strong partnership with local law enforcement and security agencies to ensure comprehensive coverage and safety throughout the greater Stellenbosch area.
Over the past few years, the University has dedicated a substantial amount of time, energy and resources to enhance safety and security measures. These measures are continuously being reviewed and include identifying major or new trends and adjusting security and safety strategies accordingly to ensure the safety of our students and staff on campus.
On this page, you will find detail regarding resources, initiatives and security measures in place at SU. If you have any additional enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
Walk with service
If you need to walk between buildings or parking areas on campus between 18:00 and 06:00, you can request a security officer to accompany you. Send a WhatsApp message request to Campus Security, and an officer will be assigned to walk with you.
This free service is available on campus all year-round
Stellenbosch Campus: 082 808 2333
Tygerberg Campus: 083 938 1841
Free night Stellenbosch campus shuttle
Use the free night shuttle service daily during term, 18:00–06:00. It departs hourly from the Neelsie parking, covering a 6 km radius to safely transport students’ home. Book via the SUN student portal.
Campus map
Visit the interactive campus
Stellenbosch Campus
24-hour EMERGENCY number:
021 808 2333
Toll-free number:
0800 02 58 27
WhatsApp walk-with service:
082 808 2333
Tygerberg Campus
24-hour EMERGENCY number:
021 931 5111
Toll-free number:
0800 00 67 67
WhatsApp walk-with service:
083 938 1841
Follow these safety tips on campus:
- Avoid walking alone, especially at night. Walk in groups, use the campus shuttle or Campus Security’s walk-with service.
- When walking on campus, stick to the preferred routes which is Victoria Street and Bosman Street where security officers are stationed in mobile security kiosks at night.
- Choose the safest route, even if it is not the shortest.
- Avoid isolated areas, especially when exercising early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Be conscious of your immediate environment.
- Keep a safe distance if a motorist asks for directions.
- If you suspect that someone might be following you, change direction, seek people and ask for help.
- Be a caring Matie – accompany a friend.
- Do not leave valuables in your car or display them.
- Be aware of remote jamming - properly lock your vehicle.
- Invest in a U-lock to safeguard your bicycle.
- Make use of bicycle sheds on campus.
- Do not walk and talk on a cell phone.
- Always carry a small rechargeable flashlight.
- Carry a whistle or pepper spray for safety.
- Always tell a friend or two where you are going.
Frequently asked questions
- What security measures are in place to assist students?
- What more can be done about the varying, sometimes increasing crime trends?
- What else is the University doing to promote safety awareness?
- Is there any collaboration with the Stellenbosch municipality and SAPS to address this issue?
- Where can staff and students report incidents of gender-based violence?
For security reasons, SU cannot provide information on all security measures. Nevertheless, over 60 inhouse staff security members are patrolling the University campuses, together with more than 200 specialist security contract staff.
Walk-with service
SU actively promotes the University’s Walk-With service available every evening from 18:00 onwards. Students can request to be accompanied by a security officer at night, when walking between buildings or on parking areas on campus. This free service is available on campus throughout the year. Students can request an escort via WhatsApp on 082 808 2333.
An additional “walk-together-express" is available during examination times on the hour starting from 19:00 daily. Students can meet at the security kiosk outside the Jan Mouton building from where a security staff member will accompany groups enroute to various destinations on campus. (This service does not replace the normal walk-with service.)
While the University is continuously creating awareness and addressing safety concerns on campus in conjunction with other security agencies in town, it views students, staff and the public as partners in this process and call on them to remain watchful and to be vigilant and active partners in campus safety. This includes taking responsibility for their personal safety on campus and in town – even more so at night.
Via Campus Security, the University is a member of the Stellenbosch Security Network where the various safety partners share security information. Campus Security may, however, only patrol the campus. In terms of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) regulations, Campus Security is confined to conduct security operations within the University campus area. Watch the night patrol SU security service video here.
Regular actions and initiatives taken by the University include the following:
Crime prevention and awareness during Welcoming Week: Campus Security conducts information sessions with student leaders and groups of newcomers to provide information on self-defence training and to promote personal safety applications such as Buzzer and pepper spray. See our latest video here
Harnessing social media for campus safety awareness: Campus Security uses social media to create awareness and promote vigilance among the campus community. Platforms used to communicate best practices and crime prevention tips include the University’s Facebook page, Instagram and TikTok (see examples of posts and videos below). TikTok allows Campus Security to reach a large demographic, as it is very popular among young adults. The short videos posted on this platform received nearly 1 000 views. Watch the video here.
Recognising that safety is a shared responsibility, the University collaborates closely with key stakeholders in town, including through regular discussions at security forums and the Mayor/Rector Forum – to ensure a comprehensive approach to safety. SU will not cease to collaborate actively with the rest of the role players in town and dedicate the necessary resources towards ensuring the safety of its students. SU is also appreciative of the fact that SAPS and its security partners are working tirelessly to investigate these matters.
The University’s Equality Unit implements SU's policies on harassment and discrimination and provides various services and support to students and staff. Click here to read more.
Students also have access to the SU INSPIRE Facility (also see this link) within the Stellenbosch GBV Centre in Ida’s Valley, Stellenbosch.