MOLEBOGENG MANGOALE
Seventeen students have been caught on the roofs of campus buildings over the last six months. Since the beginning of this year three cases have been reported and two students were caught climbing the water tower at the Taaibos residence.
Students have been caught on the roofs of the law building, the Centenary and the Sci-Enza. They faced disciplinary action and were required to pay a fine.
According to Director of Security Services Colin Fouché, most students commit this act after hours as a way of getting a “better view” of the university and the surrounding areas. Furthermore, some students do this while under the influence of alcohol.
“Roofs are not designated for leisure activities. They are a no-go zone and climbing them is totally not allowed,” said Fouché. “The only people that are allowed on the roofs are service contractors and they also approach those places with precaution and wear protective gear.”
According to Fouché, students are aware that they are not allowed to climb on to the roofs of buildings, yet they continue to do so. There are signs at the entrances to the roofs which state that unauthorised entry is prohibited, but students ignore these, putting their lives at risk. “Students should apply their sound judgement and not make impulsive decisions. They must take responsibility for their lives and care to realise that such an act of climbing on the roofs of buildings could lead to their death,” said Fouché.
No one is allowed to put in a request to access a rooftop. This includes photographers and people interested in proposing to their loved ones, as has been the case in the past. Serious disciplinary action will be taken against students caught on the roof of a building.
Elize Gardiner, a legal adviser and head of discipline at UP, said, “Should this behaviour continue, stricter penalties will be considered as a preventative measure.”
Photo: Hendro van der Merwe
