UCT hits back at on- and off-campus crime

August 2011 Security Services & Risk Management, News & Events, Infrastructure

A recent study by Grant Thornton reveals that approximately 50% of the South African population has, in some way, been affected by contact crime over the past 12 months. The effects of this national crisis are being widely felt, with many of the country’s top universities having also reported an increasing number of violent incidents – both in and outside campus borders - over the past few years.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has taken a major step towards addressing this issue with the launch of E9, an initiative which enhances on- and off-campus security efforts. E9 provides all students, staff and family members with access to a dedicated helpline, available at the touch of a button, 24 hours a day.

By simply dialling the number 9 from their mobile phones, users will be able to transmit their precise location to campus security, as well as to a pre-selected friend or family member should they find themselves in an emergency situation. This marks a huge step forward for the university, which is now able to extend and refine its existing security infrastructure, and offer both staff and students increased peace of mind, irrespective of time or location.

The E9 service is managed using the campus’s existing incident management software, which provides a central operations management platform from which to log and track all incidents. This integrates seamlessly with the E9 service in order to facilitate efficient, effective response and investigation.

According to Roland September, director of Camprosa (the Campus Protection Society of southern Africa) and head of UCT’s security department, technology has a vital role to play in providing security and peace of mind for both students and staff: “The security of our students and staff is paramount, and contributes immeasurably to a productive campus environment. Systems such as E9 are vital when it comes to managing a successful campus protection division, and can be used as effective force multipliers, maximising the reach of our existing security operation.”

E9 is available to regular subscribers at a cost of R10 per month, but will be made free to UCT’s almost 25 000 students and over 3000 staff members when the second semester commences on 25 July.

UCT’s E9 initiative is sponsored by MMad, a newly launched retail and lifestyle portal that provides on-the-go solutions for the mobile generation. MMad’s CEO, Waheed Adam, believes that E9 represents the next step for mobile technology in South Africa.

“South Africa is one of the current world leaders in the field of mobile technology, and is progressing in leaps and bounds in terms of its ability to offer practical, meaningful solutions such as E9,” explains Adam. “We decided to sponsor this initiative as it truly represents the future, and encapsulates what the MMad brand stands for – fast, immediate and functional applications for an increasingly mobile generation.”

E9 will be implemented for a focused trial period of three months, after which it is expected to be rolled out to a number of other universities across the country.

For more information, visit www.emergency9.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Risk management: There's an app for that
Editor's Choice News & Events Risk Management & Resilience
Zulu Consulting has streamlined the corporate risk management process with the launch of Risk-IO, a web-based app designed to consolidate and guide risk managers through the process, monitoring progress as one proceeds.

Read more...
Integrated information platform for risk management
Editor's Choice News & Events Risk Management & Resilience
Online Intelligence recently launched version 7 of its CiiMS risk and security platform. Speaking to SMART Security Solutions after the launch event, the company’s Arnold van den Bout described the enhancements in version 7.

Read more...
Unlocking Africa's AI potential
Editor's Choice News & Events AI & Data Analytics
Africa's AI market is set to grow exponentially; by investing in AI education, training, and ethical practices, African nations can harness the power of AI to transform the continent and create a brighter future for its people.

Read more...
Entries to southern Africa OSPA Awards now open
Technews Publishing Securex South Africa Editor's Choice News & Events
The southern Africa OSPAs are part of a global awards scheme that recognises and rewards teams, individuals and organisations for their commitment and outstanding performance within the security sector.

Read more...
Navigating South Africa's cybersecurity regulations
Sophos Information Security Infrastructure
[Sponsored] Data privacy and compliance are not just buzzwords; they are essential components of a robust cybersecurity strategy that cannot be ignored. Understanding and adhering to local data protection laws and regulations becomes paramount.

Read more...
Securex has moved to June
Technews Publishing Editor's Choice News & Events
Following the formal announcement of the date for South Africa’s national election, 29 May 2024 , which happened to be in the middle of the planned dates for Securex South Africa, Securex will now take place from 11 – 13 June 2024 at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.

Read more...
AI augmentation in security software and the resistance to IT
Security Services & Risk Management Information Security
The integration of AI technology into security software has been met with resistance. In this, the first in a series of two articles, Paul Meyer explores the challenges and obstacles that must be overcome to empower AI-enabled, human-centric decision-making.

Read more...
Africa Online Safety Platform launched in SA
Training & Education News & Events
Impact Amplifier, with the financial support of Google.org, launched its African Online Safety Platform (AOSP), a platform providing a rich repository of research, education content, funding opportunities and ways to seek help after an online crime.

Read more...
Understanding the power of digital identity
Access Control & Identity Management Security Services & Risk Management Financial (Industry)
The way we perceive business flourishing is undergoing a paradigm shift, as digital identity and consumer consent redefine the dynamics of transactions, says Shanaaz Trethewey.

Read more...
International access manufacturer sets up shop in SA
Technews Publishing Access Control & Identity Management News & Events Products & Solutions
The South African security market can always use some good news, and this year, STid has obliged by formally entering the South African market, setting up its main office in the Boomgate Experience Centre in Roodepoort, Johannesburg.

Read more...