About 800 police officers will be deployed to Port Elizabeth to beef up security for all the 2010 FIFA World Cup games in the city.
This was revealed by Transport, Safety and Liaison MEC, Ghishma Barry during the last 2010 FIFA World Cup security readiness summit held at the South End fire station yesterday.
The summit was attended by provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Mpumelelo Landu, Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chief Security Officer Linda Mti, community policing forum provincial board and members of the Intelligence Coordinating Committee.
Barry said 719 provincial traffic officers were ready to work in collaboration with municipal traffic and the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) members. She said 500 safety patrollers had been trained to assist with security at seven public viewing areas including East London's Sisa Dukashe stadium in Mdantsane, Port St Johns, Flagstaff's Holly Cross, Lady Grey and Grahamstown.
"These safety patrollers completed their 10 day training course and are now eligible to qualify as security officers. After the world cup, they will be able to use their certificates to qualify for jobs as security officers," said Barry.
The summit also looked at the human resources aspect, "in order to effectively deal with a number of identified challenges".
On labour unrest and service delivery strikes, Barry said they would need to be on the alert if the South African Transport and Allied Union (SATAWU) strike was not resolved soon. SATAWU members downed tools yesterday demanding a 15 percent wage increase across the board. There were "contingency measures" in place if the strike was protracted.
Mti said he was "satisfied" with the cooperation and integration of stakeholders. He said Barry's support was unequalled in the province.
Landu said they had covered the stadium and fan park areas with regard to crime.
"We can assure visitors they will be safe. We will deliver a crime free world cup," said Landu.
Issued by: Department of Transport, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
11 May 2010
Source: Department of Transport, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
(http://www.ectransport.gov.za/)
