Forty-eight hours before the commencement of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, police received a major communications resource boost. This follows a donation of 70 000 mobile phones by the Minister of Communications, General Siphiwe Nyanda, in partnership with the country’s leading mobile operators, MTN, Vodacom and Cell C to the Police Ministry.
At an event held in Pretoria today, the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa gladly welcomed the donation, which shows that government can do more if we work together.
“The donation will enable improved communication amongst our police members and have an impact on crime levels. In turn this will lead to society, our visitors from across the globe having greater confidence in the police.”
He emphasised that this gesture represents more than a donation, but serves as a motivating factor and a boost in the fight against crime.
“Crime has the potential to destroy our social and economic goals by derailing business growth and compromising the safety of our citizens. Government is however, in control of the crime situation in our country.”
The challenges facing the police department require it to be innovative in dealing with the issue of crime, whether one looks at the information, communication and technology (ICT), human resource or re-skilling of police. Part of this approach entails utilising all the available resources at our disposal to deal with criminals. To this end, substantial work has already gone into this process and resources allocated to ensuring its success with particular focus on integrating the different government strengths.
“However, the success of everything we do relies on strong partnerships, as these enable us to deploy a variety of diverse resources, skills and capacities. Some of these resources and capacities may not be available within the police themselves,” added Minister Mthethwa.
He further urged various captains of the ICT industry to work with government in dealing with the scourge of crime.
“We believe your experiences as ICT leaders and broader business fraternity enable you to better grasp and understand some of the key issues faced by police. We believe today’s occasion is but one of the many positive steps you took, which will benefit the whole country; during and post the 2010 FIFA World Cup.”
The minister assured all stakeholders present that the department will ensure that these mobile phones are effectively utilised because it clearly understands their intended purposes. He concluded by once again assuring all South Africans and visitors currently in the country that police will ensure a safe and secure 2010 FIFA World Cup. “South Africa is ready. We are ready. Police have gone beyond feeling it. We are touching it because it is here.”
The event was also attended by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi whose ministry was also identified as one of the recipients of the mobile phones to enable it to effectively deal with emergency health issues during the tournament. Also present were National Commissioner of Police, General Bheki Cele, various Members of Parliament, CEOs of MTN, Cell C, Vodacom, Telkom, Neotel, Chairperson of ICASA, Mr Paris Mashile, Chairperson of SABC Board, Dr Ben Ngubane as well as leading captains of the ICT industry.
Enquiries:
Zweli Mnisi
CELL: 082 045 4024
Issued by: Ministry of Police
8 June 2010
