The Portfolio Committee on Police has, today welcomed an eight-member Sudanese Standing Committee on Security and National Defence, at Parliament.
According to the committee’s Chairperson, Lieutenant-General Dr Jalal Tawir Kafi, the purpose of the visit is a fact finding mission with specific focus on policing and security.
“South Africa is a place to go in Africa especially to see how democracy works” Dr Kafi said.
What also drove the committee to come to the South African Parliament is the fact that South Africa played a meaningful role in the peace efforts that led to the signing of the comprehensive peace agreement in Sudan he added.
“We always regard South Africa as a country that has an interest of peace and development in Sudan” emphasised Dr Kafi.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ms Sindiswa Chikunga described the visit as worthwhile and historic. “Definitely our interaction would impact positively on the initiatives aimed at taking our continent Africa to new heights” said Ms Chikunga.
Because of the forthcoming national general elections planned to take place next year in Sudan, members of the Sudanese Committee wanted to know about the security measures which are usually put in place in South Africa to deter violence and intimidation during elections. Sudanese were also interested in knowing the security measures that are in place for 2010 FIFA World Cup, and how South Africans keep the levels of crime low.
On ensuring peace before and during elections, members of the Portfolio Committee on Police emphasised the importance of the commitment of leaders of political parties to peace. Members said hate speech is not allowed and parties that transgress are punished accordingly and can forfeit participation in the elections.
Sudanese delegation heard that crime fighting in South Africa included the use of three principles: Interaction with the community, hence there are community police forums, visible policing and crime intelligence. Sudanese delegation also heard that security for 2010 FIFA World Cup is arranged along the lines of German Security Blue Print as stipulated by FIFA.
Issued by: Parliament of South Africa
14 October 2009
Source: Parliament of South Africa (http://www.parliament.gov.za/)
