Fees Must Fall presented CPUT with one of its greatest safety and security crisis. The enormous task of keeping staff and students safe has fallen on the capable shoulders of the newly appointed Vernon Philander who brings a wealth of risk analysis and protection services skills to the new position. We quizzed him on his time at CPUT so far…
- Just to be clear you are not the SA cricketer! Who are you, when did you start and what is your job title and function at CPUT
No I’m not the cricketer, in fact I can’t even play cricket! I am Vernon Philander, currently from Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng and took office at CPUT on 8 December 2015 as the Acting HOD for Protection Services. I am Capetonian though and it sure is good to be back. I am responsible for all security as well as Investigators at all CPUT campuses.
- You are no stranger to Higher Education and policing. Give us a summary of your experience and skills as it pertains to this position.
I started off as a Narcotics Detective at the old SA Narcotics Bureau in Johannesburg in the early 90’s and ended up at Bishop Lavis and Delft Detective Branches as a detective of gang-related serious and violent crimes. I left the SAPS in 2001, as I was head-hunted by the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town for the position of Investigations and Surveillance Manager. Later I joined Vaal University of Technology in 2012 as Lead Investigator: Protection Services.
- Fees Must Fall hit CPUT especially hard. What do you want staff to know in terms of safety and security as we head into 2016.
Fees Must Fall is a very real issue, and the fact that it’s now sadly earmarked by violent protests has become an even bigger threat to both staff and property of all involved. It is therefore of the utmost importance that a proper understanding around the dynamics of these protests be developed, and that it be addressed from an informed angle, where Security is concerned. I want to encourage staff members and students alike, to contact me directly, should they feel unsafe or if they have information that might prevent the injury to innocent people, and/or the destruction of CPUT property.
- What is your impression of CPUT and what mark do you hope to leave?
CPUT, like all other tertiary institutions, are also faced by numerous challenges. These challenges, however, are not unsolvable, if we choose to work together. I am proud to be part of the CPUT team, and I am striving to create a Protection Services Department on which staff and students alike, will be proud.