Community rallies to reinstate UCT’s services

A positive first step in addressing crime levels in the area

UCT has lifted its suspension of voluntary health services in Khayelitsha, where six of the university’s students fell victim to armed robberies while working in Site B recently.

The university’s health sciences students returned to Khayelitsha last week after UCT management met with community leaders on August 23, UCT spokeswoman Gerda Kruger said.

UCT met with South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) members, the area’s three police station commanders and principals from six schools in the area.

Kruger said the meeting focused on developing strategies for improving safety within the broader Khayelitsha community, particularly in relation to schools.

It was agreed that this was the beginning of a process that would be taken further into wider community forums.

Kruger said UCT’s involvement in Khayelitsha is vital for the students’ practice and part of the university’s social responsiveness initiatives.

“The university is fully committed to continuing our active partnership in the Khayelitsha community.”

The meeting was a very positive first step in addressing crime levels in the area, as it highlighted the commitment of all stakeholders to collaborate.

Khayelitsha Development Forum (KDF) chairperson Ndithini Tyhido welcomed the decision to go on with their services.

“It’s a good step,” he said. He added they were happy and thankful to UCT.

“We condemn any form of attack – even attacks on emergency personnel.”

He said in the next two weeks there would be a crime indaba in Khayelitsha where various stakeholders and law enforcement would debate ways to deal with crime. sandiso.phaliso@inl.co.za

@PhalisoSandiso