Security readiness for the Memorial Service and Funeral of Ms Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
Since the passing of Ms Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (NATJOINTS) has been meeting regularly in preparation for the memorial service as well as the funeral scheduled to take place on 11 April and 14 April 2018 respectively at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
The structure, comprising of all law enforcement agencies at both National and Provincial levels as well as various other government departments, formed part of the planning team to ensure the smooth running of the events.
The NatJOINTS has assessed the state of readiness and preparedness of all law enforcement agencies and is satisfied with the plans including security plans, transport plans, route security, and access control of all the relevant departments.
All law enforcement agencies in the country, supported by key role players from the respective safety and security structures, are renowned for delivering major events successfully. All government departments within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, together with the South African Police Service, will continue to work tirelessly in an effort to ensure that these ceremonies continue unhindered.
Mourners who will be attending both memorial service and funeral service are urged to conduct themselves in an orderly and responsible manner. Attendees are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement officers and exercise patience so that all participants can mourn in a safe and secure environment. Parents and guardians are advised to give careful consideration to bringing along young children.
Members of the public are cautioned against committing illegal acts. Law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against anyone who unlawfully discharges firearms.
The community of Fourways, particularly people in close proximity to the Fourways Memorial Park, are reminded that during the Special Official Category 1 Funeral on the 14th April 2018, there will be a 19 Gun Salute. This means that extremely loud bangs will be heard in that vicinity that may have an effect on people. Special care should be given to people suffering ill-health, the elderly and little children.
Owners of pets are also advised that these loud bangs are likely to severely agitate animals and therefore special provisions should be made for them for the duration of the funeral ceremony.
We are expecting inclement weather on the day of these events and we therefore, want to urge both motorists and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution when traveling to, from and at the events.
The anticipated road closures on the 11 and 14 April 2018:
- N17 traffic circle and Klipspruit Valley
- Soweto Highway and Mooki street
- Sofasonke and Mooki street
- Adams street and Masopha street
- Adams street and Ballenden street
- Adams street and Rathebe street
- Adams street and Martha Louw street
- Adams street and Mofokeng street
- Adams street and Nkomoyahlaba
- Adams street and Mooki street
- Hlatswayo street and Mogoye
- Mjongwe street and Mooki street
- Mooki street and Mofokeng street
- Mooki street and Martha Louw street
- Mooki street and slipway at Orlando court
- Martha Louw and Klipspruit Valley road
- Nkwanca street and Martha Louw street
- Masupa street and Mooki street.
All these intersections will be manned by the multi-disciplinary law enforcement agencies. Residents who have no alternate access routes to their homes or places of business are advised to obtain access permits at Orlando Police Station. Mourners will not be allowed to drive through the cordoned off areas and will have to park at Nasrec Expo Centre from where they will be transported by bus to Orlando Stadium.
We are confident that all attendees irrespective of race, colour, creed and/or political affiliation will come together harmoniously to honour the late Mrs Madikizela-Mandela.
Media enquiries:
Lieutenant Colonel Katlego Mogale
Cell: 082 455 5782
Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo
Cell: 082 567 4153
