Dr Patrick Agbambu, Chief Executive Officer of Security Watch Africa and Prof Stanley Mukhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning andTechnology signing the MoU.
The MoU came about after Prof Jacob Mofokeng, Head of the Department of Safety and Security, met Patrick Agbambu, Chief Executive Officer of Security Watch Africa in Gambia in 2018, were he presented a paper at a conference. “Following our discussions, Security Watch Africa expressed a need for student exchange programmes with the University. There was already interest from security forces staff in Western Africa to come and study at TUT,” said Prof Mofokeng.
Opening the signing ceremony, Prof Mashupye Maserumule, Executive Dean of the Faculty, said there is no way we can talk about the development of Africa without addressing key security and safety issues on the continent. “The MoU is significant, since it will allow our practitioners to share data, experiences and help us all to be part of the African Union’s research agenda,” he added.
Patrick Agambu said he was excited that the MoU is finally a reality and promised that it will not end with the signing, but will achieve its objectives to make Africa a better place for all. “The MoU will also empower the people of Africa and improve safety and security on the continent,” he said.
Security Watch Africa was formed in 1997 and its primary objective is to provide educational platforms for security and safety professionals through hosting conferences and seminars. “The MoU will assist many safety and security professionals to enroll for degree and certificate courses with TUT and thereby assist in bridging the gaps between citizens and law enforcement agencies in Africa,” Patrick added.
Security Watch Africa strives to bridge the security information gap on the continent and ensure that Africans are at the cutting edge in contemporary security issues and solutions, as security and safety are everybody’s business. It seeks to create security awareness and consciousness.
Its annual awards aim to recognise, appreciate, encourage and celebrate individuals, governments, agencies, brands and companies that have excelled in security administration, practice and governance in Africa.