Stellenbosch has it all. Beautiful mountains. Rich culture. Academic excellence. And add to this list, people that care about your personal safety.

“We want to make sure that everyone can concentrate on their studies without having to fear about their personal safety. This is why the police and local security role-players are all ready to keep everyone safe,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Communications and Marketing at the Fidelity Services Group.

There are several organisations and role-players in town that are on standby and ready to help, she adds.

“This list includes people like ourselves and other armed response companies, local neighbourhood watches, the Campus Security team of the University, and of course the Stellenbosch SAPS. A good place to start is to ask your security company if they have developed a personal safety ‘app’ which you can download onto your smart phone. It is a handy mobile ‘panic button’ in case of an emergency.”

Another good idea is to save the most helpful emergency numbers on your phone so that you can quickly contact them when something goes wrong. The Fidelity ADT emergency contact number is 086 12 12 300, or you can reach Campus Security on 021 808 2333.

Hattingh also encourages students to take responsibility for their own personal safety. This includes being safe at the hostel or flat, as well as when you move around campus.

“You must always be aware of your surroundings. If you spot anything suspicious, please alert the police or your security company immediately. Keep all doors and windows locked, don’t walk around alone at night, and avoid any dark or unfamiliar areas at night or any surrounding that makes you feel uncomfortable,” she adds.

“Your time at university will be some of the best years of your life, and it is entirely understandable that you want to fully enjoy it. Please make sure you don’t neglect your personal safety in the process.”