Metro clamps down on noisy Hatfield night clubs for disturbing academic life
Students claim that night clubs operating during odd hours disrupt their studying routines.
The University of Pretoria (UP) is working with local authorities to address the issue of disruptions night clubs have been causing its students population nearby.
Spokesperson Sashlin Girraj said the university is aware of the ongoing challenges in the areas surrounding Hatfield Campus, including noise pollution, crime, and other disruptive behaviour that impacts the safety, well-being, and academic success of students.
“Criminal activities such as cellphone snatching, vehicle theft, intimidation by informal car guards, noise disturbances, and the disruptive presence of unauthorised preachers continue to pose concerns.
“Additionally, certain nightclubs and entertainment venues contribute to disturbances through excessive noise, intoxicated patrons, and activities that compromise the living and learning environment for students.”
He said UP remains committed to working with the metro and police to enhance student safety and mitigate these challenges. He added that they have also implemented safety measures on campus.
“Our priority is to provide a safe, supportive, and academically conducive environment for all UP students.
We continue to engage with law enforcement, local authorities and the Hatfield community to ensure a coordinated approach in addressing these shared concerns.”
According to multiple students, the operations and visitors of the night clubs in Hatfield have interruption the learning environment.
Speaking to Rekord, UP students claim these nightclubs continue to operate even during odd hours.
They said the loud noise and busy Burnett Street, among others, have affected their study routines, especially on weekends, as their accommodation is near these night clubs.
Electrical engineering student, Katlego Masiteng (20), said the noise is impacting her studies badly as she has to move between campus and her accommodation to avoid the noise.
“I can’t study at res, I have to go to campus to get away from the noise, but sometimes the library closes early.
Often I don’t finish my work on time because I have to wait for the clubs to close on Sundays so I can study.”
Adding to this, John van Wyk said although he tries ways to avoid the noise when on campus, it is just not working.
“I usually stay late on campus to study and while I am studying, I often find myself getting distracted, even with my headphones on. The loud bass sounds just go through my headphones, it is impossible to study.”
Information design student James Ackroyd said he is worried about his safety around the area, as people who drink and smoke at the clubs sometimes approach him when he goes outside.
“The area makes me uncomfortable because most of the times when I’m just trying to get to the store around the corner, someone would come up to me and ask me if I have cigarettes for them.”
He said the loitering of many people outside of where he lives makes him feel unsafe.
In response to the complaints, Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) took decisive action to mitigate these disruptions in Hatfield.
TMPD spokesperson, Superintendent Isaac Mahamba, said the department conducted an integrated by-law enforcement committee (IBEC) operation in Hatfield on Thursday, March 13.
“The operation was launched in response to complaints from the community who are concerned about problematic businesses in the area that make it difficult for students to study. as well as the residents, due to the level of noise that persists throughout the night.”
Mahamba added that these businesses pose a significant risk to students by attracting criminals.
He said the objective of the operation was to examine business compliance and several of these businesses were found to be non-compliant.
“At one business, a fine was issued for operating without a health certificate with a value of R5 000. An employee was arrested for being employed without a valid work permit and being in the country illegally.
The business establishment was closed for the contravention of building regulations.”
He added that a Section 56 infringement notice was issued for loud noise violation at another nearby business.
Another fine of R2 500 was given to the owner for operating after business hours and having food in direct contact with the floor.
“Four people were arrested for consuming alcoholic beverages in public. All five arrested suspects were detained at a local police station.
“The TMPD is resolute that, given the success of these ongoing operations, it will emerge triumphant in its fight with lawlessness and criminality in Tshwane. Well done to the members involved,” said Mahanba.
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