Safety at Major Events

Sports and Recreational Events

In line with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act 2/2010, applications should be submitted to run any large public event - in a stadium, venue, or along a route - which has the capacity to accommodate 2000 people. The following application forms apply: 

• SAPS 16(3) application: to the SAPS, not less than 30 days prior to the event date. Email SivaA(at)saps.org.za or Fax‌ 012 393 2528 

• Section 10 Application: to the Local Municipal Authority.

Guiding documents:

• Safety at Events Presentation - Power Point

• Safety at Events Act 2010 - online link

Framework for Safety at Events

Application for Student March or Demo: 

RU students intending to hold a march or demonstration on campus should submit this application to the Dean of Students at least 2 weeks before the planned gathering:  Application for Student March or Demo. Email dean.students(at)ru.ac.za

Student-run events: 

The RU student organizing committee should note that the deployment of sufficiently experienced and suitable staff / personnel is of utmost importance (see Event Safety Guidelines below). The following procedures must be adhered to:

1. SAPS permission: permission to hold a MAJOR event must be obtained from the SAPS (see above). For SMALLER events, inform the local SAPS by means of a letter.

2. Municipal permission: for gatherings on municipal property or streets, a separate application must be made to Makana Municipality at least 7 days before the event.

3. 6 weeks prior to event:- 

   a) Dean of Students permission: complete a proposal using the Event Safety Guidelines (below) and submit to the RU Dean of Students Office. Email dean.students(at)ru.ac.za

   b) Safety/Events Committee approval: submit proposal to the RU Safety/Events committee for consideration of safety-related factors. Email execdirector.iof(at)ru.ac.za (Chair) and cc s.coetzee(at)ru.ac.za (Secretary)

4. The Safety/Events Committee will invite the student organizing committee to a meeting where the proposal will be tabled, and where necessary, refer the organizing committee to the relevant administrative structure to address final logistical concerns.

5. The Dean of Students office may give approval for the event to take place, pending approval from the Safety/Events committee. The Dean of Students decision is final.

Event Safety Guidelines

In order to assist with the planning and offering of a safe and secure event, applicants must submit the following information:-

1. A detailed description of the event & whether the event is sponsored

2. Organising committee: Names and contact numbers of students/staff

3. Proposed venue

4. Venue security (before, during, and after the event)

5. A) Proposed Date
B) Preparation time to secure and prepare the venue
C) Function time (start and ending time)

6. Description of spectators or patrons and potential numbers

7. Selling of tickets

8. Catering and Liquor License (age restriction and control)

9. Security: Access/ crowd control
a) Inside venue
b) Outside venue
c) Need and role of S A P S, C P U, TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT and any other security crowd control companies

10. Power supply - Fire hazards - Traffic control – Parking - First aid - Toilets

11. Clean-up/Litter

12. Financial implications for all parties concerned

13. a) Marketing/Publicizing of event
b) Information to Rhodes University community;  effective internal
communication

14. Rhodes University staff on duty

Go to Safety Resources front page

Return to Rhodes University's Safety front page. Questions/Suggestions? Contact safety(at)ru.ac.za