THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE RISK & COMPLIANCE DIRECTORATE
D I R E C T O R AT E
NEWSLETTER Safeguarding Our Campus, Supporting Our UDubs-Community
First Issue August 2026 1
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THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE RISK & COMPLIANCE DIRECTORATE
INTRODUCING: RISK & COMPLIANCE The Risk and Compliance function is responsible for the appropriate development, management and application of resources, strategies and policies and initiatives to adequately address the various risks to the university’s stakeholders, property and reputation.
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE RISK & COMPLIANCE DIRECTORATE
Message from
RISK & COMPLIANCE LEADERSHIP Mr Bentley Ebrahiem Jeftha Director E bjeftha@uwc.ac.za T (021) 959 9778 Dear Colleagues and Students, Welcome to the latest edition of the Risk and Compliance Quarterly. As the Director of Risk and Compliance, it is a privilege to lead a comprehensive portfolio dedicated to safeguarding the operational integrity, safety and resilience of the University of the Western Cape. Our mandate spans across critical institutional functions; including Campus Protection Services, Health and Safety, Emergency Services, Postal Services, Assets, Transport and Insurance. Together, these services form the foundational infrastructure that allows our academic and research communities to pursue excellence in a secure environment. Our strategic approach and daily operations are anchored by five fundamental Value Pillars, which guide our staff in executing their duties with utmost professionalism: · · · · ·
Innovation: Integrating advanced technologies and proactive risk-mitigation strategies to meet evolving institutional challenges. Integrity: Maintaining absolute transparency, ethical conduct and stringent accountability across all compliance frameworks. Respect: Cultivating an inclusive environment that honours the diverse needs and dignity of every member of our campus. Customer Service: Delivering responsive, dependable and high-calibre support to students, staff, and institutional partners. Ownership: Exercising decisive responsibility over the protection of UWC’s collective assets, safety and reputation.
In strict alignment with the University’s long-term strategic trajectory, our portfolio remains dedicated to advancing the core tenets of the Institutional Operational Plan (IOP) 2030. Our strategic objectives are explicitly focused on three key areas of development: · · ·
Institutional Alignment: Synchronising our risk frameworks and compliance protocols to directly support and enable UWC’s core academic, research and administrative goals. Infrastructure Excellence: Enhancing, protecting, and optimising our physical assets, transport networks and emergency systems to ensure sustainable institutional resilience. Regulatory Compliance: Enforcing rigorous adherence to national statutory legislations, health and safety mandates and corporate governance standards to mitigate institutional liability.
Achieving a risk-resilient institution requires the collective vigilance of our entire university community. We appreciate your continued partnership as we work together to uphold these high standards and ensure UWC remains a safe, compliant and progressive space for all. Sincerely, Mr Bentley E Jeftha Director: Risk and Compliance University of the Western Cape Secretary to the director: Ms Thaakirah Coetzee T 021 959 3127 E tcoetzee@uwc.ac.za
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THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE RISK & COMPLIANCE DIRECTORATE
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE RISK & COMPLIANCE DIRECTORATE
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CAMPUS PROTECTION SERVICES (CPS) Keeping our environment secure, responsive and prepared 24/7. Staff are responsible for crime deterrence, crime investigation, dignitary protection, traffic services, access control and CCTV monitoring, emergency response and handling routine calls for service. These teams are on duty throughout the year at our campuses, residences and sports facilities. Our security officers are trained to respond to emergencies with care and caution and they are always connected to the central command centre via radio communications. We kindly request all members of the University community to be security conscious and proactively report criminal or suspicious behaviour on campus. Our 24 Hour Emergency Line is 021 959 2100 (extension 2100). State your name, extension number, nature of crisis, location and always ask the name of the person who takes the call. Mr Themba Nicholas Sithole HOD E tnsithole@uwc.ac.za T (021) 959 2239 Security Operations: Personal Safety Tips • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when walking alone. • Avoid poorly lit or isolated areas, particularly at night—use well-lit, busy routes. • Walk in groups whenever possible, especially after evening classes. • Use campus safe walk route and download the UWC Mobile Panic App ● Scan QR code to download the UWC Mobile Panic App: •
Keep emergency contact numbers (021 959 2100) saved on your phone.
CPS urges all campus users to: • Remain vigilant and secure personal belongings. • Report incidents immediately to CPS for rapid response.
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THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE RISK & COMPLIANCE DIRECTORATE
LOST AND FOUND ITEMS All lost and found items are to be reported and submitted only to the CPS Reception immediately. Investigations: CPS continues to prioritise the safety and security of all students, staff, and visitors. During this reporting period, CPS has actively investigated reported incidents and strengthened preventative measures across campus. Several theft-related cases were resolved through: • CCTV footage analysis • Witness statements • Collaboration with local law enforcement Increased patrol visibility contributed to reduced incidents in identified hotspots. Events Security: UWC makes use of the service providers that are contracted with the University to provide security during events. No service providers (security) are to be used on the University premises except the ones contracted with the University. All communications, requests for service, etc. are to be done via CPS not directly to the service providers.
Access Control & CCTV Monitoring The digital eyes and secure gates protecting our physical spaces. All staff and students to safeguard their access cards and not give them to any other person to use.
Mr Anrique Ambrose Losper Coordinator: Traffic E alosper@uwc.ac.za T (021) 959 3188 Mr Anrique Losper is the Traffic Operations Coordinator responsible for traffic flow, parking and transit safety at UWC. Managing a team of Traffic Wardens that are spread throughout the Campus. Parking requests, queries, concerns are to be directed to him.
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE RISK & COMPLIANCE DIRECTORATE
Postal Services
S.H.Es
Streamlining internal and external logistics securely.
(Safety, Health, Environmental & Emergency Services) Promoting a sustainable, healthy, and emergencyready workplace.
Asset Declaration Ensuring transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance. Mr Lehain Louw HOD Assets, Postal and Transport E llouw@uwc.ac.za T (021) 959 9553
Transport Overseeing the resilience and safety of our transit networks and physical assets. Mr Anwar De Klerk Coordinator: Transport E adklerk@uwc.ac.za T (021) 959 2521
The Safety, Health, Environment and Emergency Management (SHE&E) Department is responsible for promoting and maintaining a safe, healthy and sustainable campus that protects the wellbeing of staff, students, contractors, service providers and visitors. The Department provides leadership, oversight and support in the areas of Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health, Fire Safety, Emergency Medical Services, Disaster and Emergency Management, risk management and legislative compliance. Manager (Safety, Health and Environmental Services) T (021) 959 3350
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THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE RISK & COMPLIANCE DIRECTORATE
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QUICK CONTACTS & EMERGENCY LINES Ms Tamsyn - Leigh Brandt Administrator E tabrandt@uwc.ac.za T (021) 959 2042 Meet Tamsyn - Leigh who provides administrative support to the Safety, Health, Environmental (SHE&E) and Emergency Services section within the Risk and Compliance Department. Her responsibilities include administrative tasks within the department. Serving as a key point of contact for any SHE & E related enquiries, liaising with internal departments, external service providers and relevant stakeholders. She further assists with the administration of Injury on duties as well as processing of all invoices relating to the department. Mr Brandon Clark Coordinator: Fire E bhclark@uwc.ac.za T (021) 959 2508 Meet Brandon Clark, the Coordinator: Fire Safety and within the Risk and Compliance Office, who plays a vital role in ensuring that the UWC remains a safe and compliant environment for all. Brandon is responsible for overseeing the University’s fire safety and compliance programme to help safeguard staff, students, visitors, and University property. His role includes managing the University’s fire detection and fire protection systems, identifying compliance gaps, and providing recommendations to ensure alignment with relevant legislation, regulations, and South African National Standards (SANS). His responsibilities also include investigating fire-related incidents, reviewing building projects and fire protection plans for statutory and SANS compliance, and supporting Health and Safety Committees in planning, coordinating, and evaluating emergency evacuation exercises. Brandon plays an active role in promoting fire safety awareness across the University community and provides specialist advice to Faculties and Departments on fire safety compliance as it relates to occupational health and safety. In addition, he assists with medical emergencies when required as part of the University’s emergency response efforts.
Mr Germaine Dias Coordinator: Medical E gdias@uwc.ac.za T (021) 959 9529 Meet Germaine Dias, the Coordinator: Medical who serves as the campus emergency medical responder, providing immediate assessment, treatment, and stabilisation during medical emergencies while coordinating referrals to appropriate healthcare facilities when required. Germaine’s responsibilities include responding to mental health crises, providing medical support at campus events, and promoting a safe and healthy campus environment through emergency preparedness and health promotion initiatives. Mrs Adiela Patel Coordinator : Environmental Health E apatel@uwc.ac.za T (021) 959 3681 Meet Adiela Patel the University’s Environmental Health Practitioner, providing Environmental Health (EH) services that protect public health and support a safe, healthy and compliant campus environment. Essentially, the role is to identify, assess and manage EH risks through inspections, monitoring, risk assessments, complaint investigations and advisory services. Adiela’s work includes food safety, water quality, infection prevention and control, waste management, indoor environmental quality and chemical and laboratory safety. She also provides EH oversight for campus events, helping to identify and mitigate public health risks before and during events. Working closely with the Bellville Area City Health Department on matters within its municipal health mandate. Ensuring legislative compliance to protect the health and wellbeing of our university community. Ms Lungile Madlopa Coordinator : Occupational Health and Safety E jmadlopa@uwc.ac.za T (021) 959 9333 Meet Lungile Madlopa who is responsible for promoting and ensuring Health and Safety compliance at the University of the Western Cape for both staff and students. Lungile’s role is to provide guidance, support, and technical advice on all occupational health and safety matters to ensure compliance with applicable legislation, University policies, and best practices.
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE RISK & COMPLIANCE DIRECTORATE
Her responsibilities include guiding in establishing and supporting Health and Safety Committees within faculties and departments, conducting Incident on Duty (IOD) investigations, ensuring health and safety compliance for events and University projects, carrying out ergonomic assessments, monitoring building and workplace compliance, conducting health and safety inspections and risk assessments, and facilitating Health and Safety training. For all emergencies relating to Security - Fire - Medical Safety call 021 959 2100 24 Hour Emergency Line: 021 959 2100 State your name, extension number, nature of crisis, location and always ask the name of the person who takes the call. Contact the Liaison Officer: Tamara Goliath T 021 959 3696 E tgoliath@uwc.ac.za The Liaison Officer serves as the communication link between the Risk & Compliance Directorate and the UWC community, coordinating internal and external communications and engagements with stakeholders,
promoting departmental initiatives and sharing important safety, compliance and awareness information. The role also manages the Directorate’s newsletter and communication platforms, ensuring that staff and students remain informed and engaged. Got a story or an update for the next issue? Have a story to share, an achievement to celebrate, or an important Risk & Compliance update for the next newsletter? Contributions from staff and departments are always welcome. Get in touch to submit news, event highlights, safety initiatives, or ideas for future editions. You are receiving this email because you are a valued member of the UWC community.
CPS Survey
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