Your safety

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.

•    Send an emergency SOS alert to Campus Security
•    Report safety concerns on campus
•    Receive real-time campus safety alerts
•    Send voice notes and pictures
 

Follow the guide below to get connected and verified.

Step 1: Download and sign up
•    Download the Buzzer app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
•    Create your account and set up your basic profile.

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Step 2: Join the SU community
Once your account is set up, you need to link it to the University:
•    Open the app menu and tap on ‘My Communities’.
•    Select the option to join a new community.
•    Enter the join code <Maties> or simply scan the University QR code.

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Step 3: Secure your profile
To be accepted into the protected community, SU Campus Security must verify your identity (verification may take up to 48 hours). Your request will remain "pending" until you complete these steps:

•    Go to ‘My Profile’ and 'View Profile.'
•    Select Security Provider and then SU Campus Security
•    Enter student or staff number

Please ensure your student or staff number is entered correctly to avoid any delays in your approval process.
 

The app includes an SOS panic button linked directly to Campus Security on the Stellenbosch campus. When activated, it alerts the Campus Security control room so assistance can be dispatched.

Users (staff or students) can also report more specific incident types via the reporting button. 

Please note: The app is geofenced, meaning the SOS function only works while you are on the Stellenbosch campus. The SU specific platform of the app is only accessible to SU students and staff.
 

When you activate the SOS button, Campus Security on the Stellenbosch campus is immediately notified.

Other Buzzer users (students and staff) on the Stellenbosch Campus who have opted in to receive alerts are also notified.

Nearby users may assist where possible.

Privacy note:
Only Campus Security can see your name and phone number so they can contact you during an emergency. Other users can only see your location on the map – not your identity or contact details.
 

Location access is essential for the app to function correctly, as it allows Campus Security to respond to the correct location and ensures you receive relevant alerts.

Buzzer is designed with privacy in mind: Location data is encrypted and securely transmitted and personal details are only visible to Campus Security during an alert.

Buzzer also complies fully with the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act
 

The app automatically detects your location using your device’s GPS or network-based location services. Ensure location services are enabled on your device.

 Click here to view a video of the app’s setup and key features.

To create an alert: Tap the “Report” button, select the alert type, and add a description, photo, or voice note if needed.

How to view alerts: Tap the “Alerts” or “Broadcasts” tab to see recent incident alerts on campus.
 

By connecting to the Stellenbosch University community, you are linked to other SU students and staff on Buzzer and will see alerts and reports across the Stellenbosch campus.

Alerts cannot be deleted once sent. If an alert is sent by mistake, post a message in the app chat to clarify it was a test or mistake and Campus Security will close the alert.

Data usage of the app is minimal.