Gauteng Community Safety MEC Khabisi Mosunkutu would like to reassure Gauteng citizens, visitors from other provinces, foreigners, participating teams and the entire FIFA family that Gauteng is ready to provide a world cup that will be memorable on the safety it will provide. The province and all law enforcement agencies have developed and tested its safety and security plan for the tournament. All our dry runs were successful.
MEC Mosunkutu would however wish to encourage everyone who will be attending matches to arrive for their games on time, at least two hours before kick-off. Supporters are also encouraged to make use of mass transport modes such as park and rides, taxis, buses and the trains that have been provided to ferry supporters to and from match venues. It will be impossible to get to within two kilometres of every match venue with a private car.
Public Viewing Areas (PVAs), on the other hand, have been established for people who will be unable to watch games at the stadiums. PVAs will provide an environment similar to the stadium. Each of the municipalities in the province has established numerous PVAs to cater for their residents. The South African Police Service, Metropolitan police departments and traffic police will maintain a visible presence around the entire province's PVAs.
In addition, community patrollers that work with the department will be deployed at these PVAs to assist with the maintenance of order and visibility. The MEC urges those who will visit PVAs to do so with dignity and respect, whilst having fun. Alcohol abuse, misbehaviour and violence will not be tolerated at these venues and stern action will be meted to those responsible.
As we have done previously, we are once more called upon to welcome and extend a hand of friendship to foreigners who will be joining us for the tournament. The MEC urges all of us to embrace and provide warm treatment to our foreign compatriots.
The MEC wishes to once again assure everyone that the province of Gauteng will deliver an incident free tournament, maintain a high visible law enforcement presence and promises to act swiftly against any potential law breakers.
Enquiries:
Sizwe Matshikiza
Tel: 011 689 3633
Cell: 071 851 2369
Issued by: Department of Community Safety, Gauteng Provincial Government
9 June 2010
Source: Department of Community Safety, Gauteng Provincial Government
(http://www.gautsafety.gpg.gov.za/)
