On February 21, members of the TUKS staff, including security guards, rallied outside the Hatfield campus, decrying unfair wages, stagnant wage increases, and budget cuts. Although the immediate dispute has been settled, its repercussions persist, particularly among essential campus support groups.
Parking at and around the University of Pretoria (TUKS) is a perennial headache for students and faculty alike. However, beyond the frustration of finding a spot and facing fines lies a deeper, often overlooked issue: the challenges faced by the security guards tasked with managing these chaotic lots.
To shed light on this issue, members of the PDBY news team interviewed parking lot monitors around the main campus. These guards start their shifts as early as 5:00 AM and finish around 17:00. They acknowledged reserving certain spots for specific students but denied receiving monetary compensation for this service. Instead, the guards seek respect and favor students who treat them with kindness. They do not receive a consistent salary but rely on tips from the students whose cars they monitor.
The guards frequently encounter security threats and fear the consequences. They described instances of smash-and-grabs and hijackings in which they chased down the criminals while waiting for assistance from campus security or the police. The guards also noted a recent decline in the availability of security services. Previously, they could rely on these services for assistance in times of danger or when suspicious of specific individuals.
Currently, however, the guards often experience prolonged wait times for police assistance, which can be attributed to prioritisation. They often do not feel safe and worry that the individuals they confront will return. One guard aptly stated, “I am one person; I don’t know if maybe they’re going to come back in a different car and shoot me.”
When asked about potential improvements to the current parking system, the guards suggested restricting access to the area, allowing cars to enter from one side and exit from another. Their decades of experience highlight the specific struggles faced by the guards, emphasizing the need for better security measures and support.
UP parking management states, “Due to the scarcity of parking, the Department of Security Services relies on the assistance of all personnel and students to manage parking and traffic flow effectively.”
University security notes, “Many of the campus’s security personnel were also part of the strike, which has left campus security vulnerable.” The University security stated that they aim to do their utmost to keep all UP staff, students and adjacent staff safe despite this.
As the university community deals with parking challenges, it’s essential to acknowledge and tackle the issues faced by those responsible for managing it. By fostering dialogue and implementing practical solutions, TUKS can work towards a safer, more equitable environment for all its members.
Aleksa Kruger