Sikhumbuzo Vilakazi, the newly appointed Director: Protection and Risk Services, feels honoured and privileged to serve on the CPUT Management team.
“This appointment is a milestone for the entire university community in ensuring transformation is implemented,” said Vilakazi. “It is my understanding that the university needed to appoint a qualified, technically competent and experienced individual to serve as the Director and Head of Risk and Protection Services with five divisions comprising of Investigations, Fleet Operations, Campus Protection Services, Safety, Health and Environmental Management.”
The Directorate is primarily responsible for the safety and security of the university community and property across its five campuses. “In this regard, the appointment confirms my expertise in security and safety, health and environmental management as well as fleet operations.” He assumed his new position at CPUT at the beginning of the month.
Vilakazi began his professional career in 1993 when he was contracted to the then Mangosuthu University of Technology through Gray Security Service as site commander. “I also served in the South African Military Academy under Voluntary Military Service”. During his experience of more than two decades, he occupied several positions including senior management positions with security, investigation, traffic, access control, occupational health, safety and environment as well as Internal audit experience.
He has an Advanced Diploma in Security Management and a National Diploma in Security Risk Management from the University of South Africa and has completed a National Intelligence Agency Security Managers/Advisors course. “I have more than 10 years senior management experience in safety and security and more than 20 years practical hands-on experience in safety and security, more than 10 years [of which] were gained in senior management with campus security experience.”
Vilakazi added that what attracted him to CPUT are his passion for serving and protecting staff and students, his desire to share the wealth of his expertise in the field as well as to reduce the risk the University may face when dealing with students in the 21st Century.
He promised the CPUT community the establishment and implementation of security strategies and systems to safeguard and protect all persons interacting with the University and its property.
