The national Commissioner of the Police, General Bheki Cele has embarked on an internal engagement with the personnel of the South African Police Service (SAPS), mainly the police members, with a view of preparing the staff for the upcoming football tournament.
The dialogue broadcast was through a police television network channel which was live thus affording an opportunity to members to quiz the police general on 2010 security preparations.
This medium also afforded General Cele an opportune moment to give results on the undertaken overseas trips that led to South Africa's 2010 security plan being given thumbs up by security experts from 32 participating countries and 188 International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) member countries.
Added to the conversation was the importance of the approval and support received from neighbouring countries under the banner of the Southern African Region Police Chiefs' Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) on being satisfied by the safety measures in place against any criminal activity.
Amongst topical issues that pertain to 2010 FIFA World Cup and beyond introduced by the general during the transmission is the Good Ambassador campaign. This drive is aimed at promoting the Batho Pele principles and instilling a spirit of goodwill by SAPS members and all citizens of the country.
"I call on every one of you to display a humanly attitude of welcoming our guests and assist them with whatever information from whichever sector they may need," said the general.
This talk with the personnel of the police is a beginning as General Cele intends visiting and addressing members at parades before operations and through other police commanders that marshal provinces and local policing precincts.
In closing, General Cele appealed to families of the police and the community at large to support the police during this period and engraved the importance of being "proud to have been part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the security team".
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