Safety of students must be paramount at universities

In an instant, what should have been a joyous and celebratory Freshers’ Carnival turned into a nightmare at Nelson Mandela University at the weekend, where a promising young student lost his life.

Ten others were injured, with one still fighting for survival, as a minibus taxi collided with a large crowd of students during the early hours of Sunday.

The horror of this accident cannot be understated.

Eyewitness accounts speak of a reckless driver who, without warning, ploughed through a crowd of young students, in mere seconds.

The alleged perpetrator was arrested for reckless and negligent driving, as well as for driving under the influence of alcohol, which only deepens the outrage.

One eyewitness, who declined to be named, said everything happened quickly.

“We heard the engine revving and the tyres screeching before the crash,” she said.

“Everyone started screaming. People started running, but the taxi just kept coming, hitting students left and right. It was chaos.

“No-one saw it coming.”

Universities should be spaces of learning, growth, and security.

There are speed limits, barricades and pedestrian zones at the university, but perhaps what is necessary is stricter enforcement of transport regulations.

But nobody could have foreseen such a terrible thing happening.

This tragedy calls for stricter penalties for reckless drivers, especially those who endanger the lives of young people.

The university, along with student organisations, must stand firm in applying pressure on law enforcement to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible face the full might of the law.

But beyond justice, there is healing to be done.

The NMU community is mourning, and the psychological scars left by this horrific event will take time to mend.

It is commendable that the university has offered psychosocial support to those affected, but the conversation on student safety must not end there.

Authorities must engage with student leaders to create sustainable solutions that protect those pursuing their education.

This tragedy must serve as a turning point. The safety of students must be paramount.

The Herald