21 November 2007
The KwaZulu-Natal Cabinet has been assured security has been tightened in
and around Durban with the arrival in the city tomorrow of Federation
International Football Association (Fifa) President Dr Sepp Blatter. Blatter
will be officially received at the Durban International Airport by Premier Sbu
Ndebele.
The Cabinet at its ordinary meeting on Wednesday considered a number of
issues but mainly focused on progress reports regarding the upcoming Fifa
Preliminary Draw in Durban on Sunday and events leading to it.
The Cabinet was briefed on security arrangements for the draw and events
leading to it by both members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and
National Intelligence Agency (NIA). Both these agencies reported that security
has been beefed up in all the areas where activities around the draw would take
place including the Durban International Airport, hotels and the Chief Albert
Luthuli International Convention Centre where the actual draw would take
place.
Security has also been tightened also at the designated public viewing areas
in Pietermaritzburg, Newcastle, Esikhawini, Harding and Ladysmith. Security
deployment has also been completed around the Durban beach where a huge Beach
Party is to be held on Friday. Security has also been tightened in places of
entertainment such as night clubs and casinos through foot patrols, use of
vehicles, motor bikes and horses.
"We have got the confidence that South Africa will ensure security for all.
We have hosted big international conferences and events here in KwaZulu-Natal
and people come back because of the security we provide among other things",
Premier Sibusiso Ndebele said. Community Safety and Liaison MEC Bheki Cele
assured the cabinet that the SAPS were on top of things.
The Cabinet was also briefed on the programme which officially begins with
the arrival tomorrow in Durban of Fifa President Blatter. On Friday there will
be a Premiere screening of the movie "More than just a Game" before the Beach
Party. On Saturday there will be a site visit to the 2010 Moses Mabhida Stadium
before the Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates game at ABSA Stadium in the
afternoon. On Sunday will be the actual Preliminary Draw and a cocktail
party.
The Cabinet also agreed that the province was correct in creating a hype
around the event through the marketing of the province within the stipulated
rules.
The Cabinet also approved the Draft KwaZulu-Natal Health Care Bill, 2007
whose purpose is to provide for healthcare service delivery in the province by
providing a framework for the development and implementation of provincial
health policy, norms, frameworks and standards in respect of healthcare.
It was also agreed that MECs will attend next week's Soccerex Football
Festival, Exhibition and Conference which begins this Sunday in Sandton
Gauteng. The province will be exhibiting at the Soccerex.
The Cabinet also noted the launch dates for the Integrated Economic Cluster
Projects in the targeted municipalities in November and December this year. The
first project to be launched would be the Msinga Project whose lead Department
is that of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs on 30 November. Various
cluster projects would be launched on 4 December by the lead Department of
Economic Development.
The Cabinet also considered this financial year's, 2007/2008. Adjustment
Estimates to be tabled at the provincial Legislature next week.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
21 November 2007
