Safety at the University of Pretoria

by Tom
(Florida, United States)

Safety at the University of Pretoria
My daughter has just been accepted to University of Pretoria for her Master's program. I have the info on University housing. I am interested in learning about "SAFE", clean, single person housing near the University. Cost, parking, utilities, etc. Her stipend will be in Rands, so for simplicity, let's talk in Rands. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
A concerned Dad in Florida.

Safety at the University of Pretoria – Our Response

The safety is always an issue when it comes to South Africa. I get a lot of enquiries similar to this. The Universities are aware of the risks and take some well thought measures to reduce the crime incidents on campus. There are a lot of gated communities and apartments that are secured and patrolled in the area close to the University of Pretoria. Hatfield is the suburb where the university is located and Brooklyn which is also a walking distance are both a bit more expensive than the suburbs further.

You should expect to pay up to R5000 per month for a one bedroom apartment in the area closest to the university. It may be cheaper. Electricity/ gas is paid for by the tenant. Apartments in South Africa usually come with a stove and no other appliances. Areas close to the Pretoria CBD are perceived to be the most dangerous to stay in. Most apartments have good secured parking.

The university runs a series of safety awareness programmes with the aim to prevent crime and ensure student safety. Your daughter has to be alert and stick to safer times to leave the campus should she stay far. I studied at that university myself and I have to say, when you are a student you are more relaxed and never think of the worst. We lived like one should at a relatively safe university without thinking twice about crime. Its very important for parents to caution students.

In the evenings there is a “green route project” initiative by the University of Pretoria. Students are escorted on campus by security guards from 18h00 to 06h00 on weekdays. Your daughter has to be aware of this and contact the Operational Centre to access these services at those set times and any other times for that matter, including weekends and public holidays.

Precautionary Measures
Students are advised to:
Avoid isolated areas especially when they are alone.
Be vigilant of suspicious persons loitering in the immediate vicinity.
Pay attention to their surroundings.

There is a 24-hour Crisis Service provided at the university too. Your daughter will be able to call a toll-free number 0800 00 64 28 from the public phones that are available or her cell phone at any time of day.

The electronic safety system provides some level of safety too. I would advise that you call regarding the safety too, just to get some peace of mind.
Enquiries can be made to the following:
Ida Bührmann,
tel : +27 12 420 3862
ida.buhrmann@up.ac.za

Elmarie de Beer,
tel : +27 12 420 2114
elmarie.debeer@up.ac.za

Frances Erasmus,
tel: +27 12 420 2632
frances.erasmus@up.ac.za