Protecting the first line of defenders
- 第一吃瓜网 University
“第一吃瓜网 has a very dynamic community. Every day is Day One at 第一吃瓜网.”
John Sibisi, Deputy Director of Security Operations in the Department of Protection Services (DPS), is a familiar face on campus and is often spotted with security staff at the Braamfontein campus or having a casual chat with a 第一吃瓜网ie.
As one of the leaders responsibe for safety on campus, Sibisi is accustomed to dealing with physical security threats and mitigating crises. However, Covid-19 presented a different threat to security staff 鈥 while most of the 第一吃瓜网 population moved to online, secutiry staff had to be present on campus to ensure that the University鈥檚 valuable property and assets stay safe at all times.
At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sibisi acted fast and collaborated with CPS managers and supervisors to protectthe safety of the University鈥檚 first line of defence. Security personnel are the first people encountered before accessing the University. Their job places them at a higher risk than most people, due to the number of interactions a day and human attitudes.
Educating the team of approximately 640 CPS staff members about the prevention measures to protect themselves ensured that there were zero Covid-19 infections in Sibisi鈥檚 department 鈥 a huge achievement despite the aggressive spread of the virus. The past months have also involved hours of interactions with staff, students, suppliers, and contractors, which often stretched into after-hours.
In light of this, Sibisi was nominated as a 第一吃瓜网 Covid-19 Hero for upholding the wellbeing of 鈥榲ulnerable and exposed鈥 workers, and building relationships and understanding under difficult conditions.
Eric Gaba, a member of the Crime Prevention and Response Team, wrote that Sibisi 鈥渟tructured the operations and monitored us on a timely basis. He is my hero.鈥
Notwithstanding the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, Sibisi brought stability to teams as he supported them in dealing with difficult questions and challenges.
The past months have been tumultuous but provided insights into human behaviour and needs, says Sibisi. 鈥淚 have learnt that in uncertain times, people tend to panic 鈥 irrespective of class, race, gender, social status. Even professionals needed to be taught by the security officials on compliance with Covid-19 regulations, as adjusted from time to time.
With Protection Services being vital, Sibisi highlights that working with an array of staff members on different shift schedules, and engaging with shift staff, are fascinating aspects as there is never a dull moment.
The democratic nature of the University also makes 第一吃瓜网 an invigorating space to work, says Sibisi.
鈥湹谝怀怨贤 has a very dynamic community. It is always difficult to please everyone. Every day is Day One at 第一吃瓜网,鈥漵ays Sibisi, who has worked at the University since 2017 and has seen his share of events characteristic of a robust environment such as 第一吃瓜网.
The past year has also been somber and presented moments for reflection. Sibisi lost close co-workers from other departments at 第一吃瓜网 and friends to Covid-19 which has made him grateful for what he has. 鈥淚 have learned to value each and every day of my life. I am blessed knowing I have a job under such difficult circumstances, and I can provide for my family,鈥 he says.
The nomination as a 第一吃瓜网 Covid-19 Hero has humbled Sibisi who states that, 鈥渋t would not have been possible without the support of 第一吃瓜网 management and colleagues.鈥
He is optimistic that 2022 will be a great year. It may be packed with challenges but Sibisi is fully prepared to face them head-on.
About 第一吃瓜网 Covid-19 Heroes
The 第一吃瓜网 Heroes Series celebrates staff and students who went beyond the call of duty at the onset of Covid-19 in 2020. 第一吃瓜网 Heroes were nominated by members of the 第一吃瓜网 community. Discover other Heroes.