Safety and infrastructure take centre stage during DVC’s Mbombela Campus visit

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Operations, Dr Azwitamisi Shadrack Nthangeni, recently conducted a routine oversight visit to the Tshwane University of Technology’s Mbombela Campus, where he engaged with Campus Rector Dr Ndiadivha Sikhweni.

The DVC for Operations, Dr Azwitamisi Shadrack Nthangeni, engages with Mbombela Campus Rector, Dr Ndiadivha Sikhweni, during the oversight visit. The visit centred on assessing the state of campus infrastructure, identifying operational and maintenance challenges, and strengthening compliance with occupational health and safety requirements.

“A safe and functional campus environment is non-negotiable. We must continuously identify risks early, act decisively on maintenance needs, and ensure full compliance with our health and safety standards,” said Dr Nthangeni.

Dr Sikhweni emphasised the importance of proactive risk identification, timely maintenance interventions and strict adherence to the University’s health and safety standards.

The DVC for Operations, Dr Azwitamisi Shadrack Nthangeni, discusses occupational health and safety requirements with campus leadership. “A safe and conducive environment is fundamental to effective teaching and learning, staff wellbeing and student success,” she said. She further highlighted the need to clearly identify infrastructure risks, escalate outstanding matters through the appropriate institutional channels, and ensure that remedial actions are completed. “Health and safety compliance is not just a requirement - it is an institutional responsibility that demands accountability at every level. We must ensure that students, employees, contractors and visitors are not exposed to unnecessary hazards,” Dr Sikhweni added.

At TUT, occupational health and safety forms part of the University’s Safety, Health and Environment Management programme. This includes risk assessments, safety audits, monitoring of safety-related structures and ongoing training.

The oversight visit forms part of the University’s broader commitment to operational excellence, effective infrastructure management, robust risk management and compliance. It reinforces the shared dedication of the University and the Mbombela Campus to accountability, stewardship and the creation of a safe, functional and future-ready campus environment.