We welcome members of the media present with us today. Our media briefing today will focus mainly on the Home Affairs operational plans in all our ports of entry for the festive period beginning in December as well as plans for the Orange African Nations Championship 2014 to be held in South Africa.
16 days of No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign
Our media briefing takes place against the background of the national campaign of 16 Days of No Violence against Women and Children launched on 24 November and will culminate with planned events on 10 December 2013.
In this regard, the Ministry of Home Affairs joins the government and people of our country in this campaign. Indeed recent horrific incidences in Gauteng and the Western Cape in particular and all our provinces in which elderly women, children ,babies and young girls and young boys have been subjected to the most barbaric forms of violence must be condemned in the strongest terms.
This morning we were awakened to news that a six week-old baby is fighting for her life after being raped allegedly by her uncle. We express our collective outrage and condemnation at this dastardly act and call on our law enforcement agencies to ensure those implicated will face the wrath of the law.
Violence against women and children is not only an affront against the victims but indeed an attack on the people of our country. We must take action as nation within the framework of the law – both men and women - to bring to an end this scourge and working together with our law enforcement agencies help bring those responsible for such heinous acts to face the full might of the law.
Festive season operational plans for the ports of entry: land, sea and airports
The festive season is once more upon us. We take this opportunity to extend our best wishes to all our people during Xmas and the New Year, which coincides with the 20 years of our democracy. It is our hope and wish that we shall all return to our homes, places of employment and all other sectors of our society rejuvenated and more determined to deepen and consolidate the achievements of the 20 years of the dawn of peace, freedom and justice in our country.
Once more we reiterate our government’s message for people to observe and ensure that they indeed “Arrive Alive” whatever their destinations. This includes those who may be travelling to various destinations passing through our sea, land and airports of entry during the festive season.
As is customary, during this period we envisaged an increased movement of people and goods through all our ports of entry. Working together with all other government agencies operating in the ports of entry and border areas – SARS, SAPS, SANDF, Agriculture and Health- we stand ready to help facilitate the smooth movement of all those travelling through these ports of entry during the festive season.
In anticipation and as part of our overall plan to ensure efficient and effective delivery of service in all our ports of entry during the festive season, Minister of Home Affairs Naledi Pandor has announced the extension of hours and deployment of more immigration officials to a number of ports of entry across the country.
This follows consultation and agreement with all stakeholders operating in our ports of entry including countries sharing borders with the Republic of South Africa to effect the implementation of extended operational hours as follows:
Mpumalanga
Lebombo - will operate 24 hours
Oshoek - will operate 24 hours
Mahamba - 06h00- 24h00
Manange - 06h00-20h00
Jeppes Reef - 06h00-24h00
Limpopo
Groblersbrug – will operate 24 hours
Eastern Cape
Qashasnek - 06h00-24h00
Kwazulu-Natal
King Shaka international airport - 05h00-24h00
Kosi Bay - 06h00-19h00
Golela - 06h00-24h00
Free State
Caledonspoor t- 06h00-22h00
Van Rooyenshek -06h00-24h00
North West
Kopfontein - will operate 24 hours
Ramatlabama - 06h00-24h00
Plans for the Orange African Nations Championship - CHAN 2014
As you are by now aware, South Africa is proud to play host for the Orange - African Nations Championship -CHAN 2014 scheduled from 11 January to 2 February 2014.
In this regard, the Department of Home Affairs is ready to play its role in ensuring that South Africa hosts a successful CHAN 2014. Having played a pivotal role during the 2010 FIFA World Cup as well as the 2012 African Cup of Nations, our immigration officials stand ready to welcome fellow African and other visitors at our ports of entry.
As we look forward to celebrating 20 years of freedom, peace and democracy, the CHAN tournament provides a perfect platform for us to demonstrate our heartfelt gratitude towards the African continent for its continuous and unwavering support during our struggle against apartheid.
As with the CAF Championship and indeed the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa has been requested to provide guarantees to CAF. In terms of these guarantees, the Department of Home Affairs’ responsibilities are as follows:
|
DEPARTMENT |
KEY PROVISIONS |
OBLIGATIONS |
|---|---|---|
|
The Department of Home Affairs |
The guarantee requires the SA government to issue visas to a broad range of Persons (including the CAF Delegation & the Commercial Affiliates and Media). |
Communicate all the immigration requirements with CAF and the Participating Member Associations during the Team Training workshop. Send all obligations / requirements to the LOC in order to communicate with CAF |
|
The Department of Home Affairs |
The guarantee requires the SA government to issue work permits where required to CAF Employees / Commercial Affiliates that will be working during the Championship. |
Same as above |
|
The Department Home Affairs |
The guarantee requires the SA government to guarantee “priority treatment for participating teams and CAF Delegation. |
Provide Dedicated lanes at all immigration ports of entry with event branding. This will also require dedicated personnel who will be facilitating this process. |
In addition, the following ports of entry have been selected to facilitate the smooth movement of multitudes of football fans wishing to visit the country during the tournament - Cape Town, OR Tambo, Bram Fischer and Gateway airports and Beit Bridge, Ficksburg, Maseru and Groblersbridge land ports.
The department is also expected to provide the necessary branding for the air and land ports of entry for dedicated lanes that will be provided for the football fans and executive committee members, teams and participating member associations.
I thank you
