Today I had a very fruitful session with law enforcement agencies, officials from the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and the Department of Transport to get a sense of the state of readiness for the British and Irish Lions’ Tour to this City and plans for the 2009 FIFA Confederations’ Cup Public Viewing Areas.
Rugby match
I am confident that the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape will provide a safe and secure environment during the rugby match at the new stadium on 16 June 2009. A special dry run of the SAPS with the relevant security company and traffic services will be held on Thursday 11 June 2009.
Our operational plan for the rugby match has been drawn in a similar way, which will be done for the 2010 soccer matches and can in a way be considered as an opportunity to evaluate our deployment for 2010.
The plan includes:
* maxim manpower deployment to ensure the general safety and crowd management at the stadium
* the routes leading to the stadium and surrounding areas.
SAPS reservists in the Nelson Mandela Metro have been called up and all reserve manpower will be available to the operational officer. Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Pam Mckenzie will be the operational commander of the event. (This sends a clear message that the democratic state recognises the role of women in the provision of safety and security services).
We cannot divulge our exact force levels, but all trained and available police members will be utilised to ensure the safety of spectators and the public at large. A tactical reaction group will be strategically placed if a situation arises that needs their deployment.
Our helicopter and fix wing aircraft will be on standby at the Port Elizabeth Airport, should ground forces require air support.
During the official opening of the stadium last Sunday, the SAPS and other security role players had the opportunity to test operational deployments, and minor challenges and shortcomings that were identified, in the debriefing session will be addressed.
Challenges experienced during the opening ceremony and on which the public’s co-operation is requested, are mainly the taking of alcohol, bottles and sharp objects such as pocket knives etc to the stadium. This will not be allowed and the fact that the people had these items in their possession delayed the steady flow of people entering into the stadium.
SAPS activities will be supported by both provincial and municipal traffic officers and certain strategic routes leading to the city will be strictly monitored through satellite stations. These include:
* N2 from Tsitsikama Toll Plaza to Humansdorp
* N2 Humansdorp to Van Stadens Bridge
* N2 Van Stadens Bridge to Port Elizabeth
* N2 Port Elizabeth, Nanaga (special attention at Colchester Intersection when high volume of traffic is entering and exiting the Shopping Centre)
* N2 Nanaga to Boesmansrivier
* R72 Nanaga to Alexandria
* N10 Nanaga to Anns Villa
* R75 Port Elizabeth to Wolwefontein
* N2 Boesmansrivier to Grahamstown
* Grahamstown to Fish River
* R72 Alexandria to Fish River via Port Alfred
* R47 Grahams Town to Fort Brown
* N9 Uniondale (Western Cape Border) to Willowmore
* R61 Beaufort West to Aberdeen
* N9 Aberdeen to Graaff-Reinet
* N9 Graaff-Reinet to Middelburg
* N9 Graaff-Reinet to Wapadsberg
* R75 Graaff-Reinet to Jansenville to Wolwefontein
There will be visible patrols, speed checking and focus on drunken driving, vehicle fitness, moving violations, overloading, safety belts, illegal use of cellphones, drivers’ licenses, reckless and negligent driving.
For any traffic related matter, members of the public are encouraged to call our toll free number 0800 644 644.
Confederations Cup Public viewing areas:
The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Public Viewing Areas have been identified in Matatiele and Grahamstown and will be utilised on 21 and 28 June 2009. The SAPS will prioritise these areas and the two cluster commanders have submitted special operational plans for the policing of the two events.
The Department of Transport has developed a Public Viewing Area Mobility Plan worth R2,6 million, which seeks to:
* reduce delays through traffic management
* promote alternative routes
* promote use of public transport
* improve safety
* improve infrastructure.
In order to facilitate the movement of people, the Department of Transport has spent a total of R60 000 on the procurement of road traffic signs to the public viewing areas, which will be erected in Grahamstown and Matatiele.
These signs are in general conformity with the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual. Transport Minister gave permission for signs to be classed as “Experimental Signs” in terms of National Road Traffic Act to allow for special needs of the Confederations Cup and 2010 FIFA World Cup.
After consultation with the World Cup Local Organising Committee, these temporary signs were developed. (Unveil)
These signs utilise the standard symbol for generic cultural facility to indicate Fan Parks and Public Viewing Areas. They include Official Logo of the Event and show direction.
I thank you
For more information, contact:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Cell: 082 442 2388
Issued by: Department of Transport and Safety, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
10 June 2009
