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2018-10-18 14:56:48 +0200
To: Mr Michael Sun- City of Johannesburg MMC: Public Safety
Demand student safety in Braamfontein be made a priority
Dear MMC
We recognize the efforts made by the city to increase the police presence in Braamfontein as well as the patrolling of the precinct by private security , however this is not enough as young female students continue to be the victims of crimes particularly when using public transport and coming back from school at night.With this said we recognize that the problem is an institutional one that requires huge commitment to truly transform South African society,however immediate solutions and preventative measures are required.We urge you to commit publicly to creating an effective safety strategy for students in braamfontein and analyse budgets and policies which make short –term solutions such as free safe bus services available to and from key taxi ranks such as Bree and Noord for students a possibility. We expect a coordinated response from the city on how braamfontein can be made safer and how new modes of transport can be introduced in braamfontein especially for students.
We recognize the efforts made by the city to increase the police presence in Braamfontein as well as the patrolling of the precinct by private security , however this is not enough as young female students continue to be the victims of crimes particularly when using public transport and coming back from school at night.With this said we recognize that the problem is an institutional one that requires huge commitment to truly transform South African society,however immediate solutions and preventative measures are required.We urge you to commit publicly to creating an effective safety strategy for students in braamfontein and analyse budgets and policies which make short –term solutions such as free safe bus services available to and from key taxi ranks such as Bree and Noord for students a possibility. We expect a coordinated response from the city on how braamfontein can be made safer and how new modes of transport can be introduced in braamfontein especially for students.
Why is this important?
Braamfontein has become known in recent years not only for its vibrant youth culture but also for an increase in reported cases of missing persons and gender based crime. According to sources Karabo Ncube (20) who went missing in March 2018 was last seen leaving a student accommodation in Braamfontein and making her way to Bree Taxi rank.Her unfortunate disappearance highlighted the issue of student safety in the city.
The Nelson Mandela bridge is notorious for being a crime hotspot,not only that it is also used by students to commute from Braamfontein to Bree taxi rank . We recognize efforts such as Operation Mandela Bridge by the JMPD in attempts to curb crime however female students still remain vulnerable to gender based harm .One would suggest that an alternative to students using the bridge would be for them to make use of taxi’s . That option is not viable as students already have limited income and the provision of transport services to Bree and Noord taxi rank would ease financial burden of students and ultimately provide a safer alternative.
1. https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/the-star-early-edition/20180406/281582356197837
2. http://witsvuvuzela.com/2018/04/28/hillbrow-saps-concerned-about-increase-in-reported-rape-
cases/
3. https://www.iol.co.za/news/nelson-mandela-bridge-a-hot-spot-for-crime-2011189
4. Digital Image- News 24 ,25 May 2017 https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/students-
protest-against-rape-culture-20170525
The Nelson Mandela bridge is notorious for being a crime hotspot,not only that it is also used by students to commute from Braamfontein to Bree taxi rank . We recognize efforts such as Operation Mandela Bridge by the JMPD in attempts to curb crime however female students still remain vulnerable to gender based harm .One would suggest that an alternative to students using the bridge would be for them to make use of taxi’s . That option is not viable as students already have limited income and the provision of transport services to Bree and Noord taxi rank would ease financial burden of students and ultimately provide a safer alternative.
1. https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/the-star-early-edition/20180406/281582356197837
2. http://witsvuvuzela.com/2018/04/28/hillbrow-saps-concerned-about-increase-in-reported-rape-
cases/
3. https://www.iol.co.za/news/nelson-mandela-bridge-a-hot-spot-for-crime-2011189
4. Digital Image- News 24 ,25 May 2017 https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/students-
protest-against-rape-culture-20170525
How it will be delivered
Delivering the petition to the MMC in person would not only demonstrate to students the power of petitioning but also show them how to participate in public law-making. We would also like to engage with the MMC to hear his opinion on how braamfontein can be made safer for students.