Media visit to South Africa/Mozambique border for the roll-out of new mobility packages for border protection
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will launch the new Mobility Packages that will be utilised for border protection across the country. The launch will take place at Pongola in KwaZulu-Natal province on Wednesday, 15 November 2017 at 08h30.
In 2009, the Cabinet approved the re-employment of the SANDF in the border protection role, which was initially the task of the South African Police Service (SAPS). Amid this decision, operational planners began with the design of an operational concept meeting the terrain demands in the borders. After considering all facts, the development of a high mobility cross-country vehicle that provides a relatively small force with the manoeuvrability and agility to effectively cope with the situation at hand was inevitable. The initial roll–out of the new vehicles will start on the KwaZulu-Natal/Mozambique border on the date mentioned above, followed by the Mpumalanga/Mozambican border and then the Limpopo/Zimbabwean border.
During this launch, the Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant-General Barney Hlatshwayo will brief the media and guests on the headway made in the borders and protection plan heading to festive season before a demonstration. Military transport (luxury coach) will be provided for media guests from Gauteng, and will depart from Air Force Base Waterkloof to Pongola on Tuesday, 14 November 2016 at 09h30 and will return to Air Force Waterkloof on Wednesday, 15 November 2017 at 16h30.
Members of the media outside Gauteng province who would like to attend can make their way to Pongola. Meals and accommodation will be provided by the SANDF to all members of the media who will be attending. Full names, civilian identity number and name of media house must be forwarded to the under mentioned person.
Members of the media are cordially invited to send a journalist and/or a cameraperson to attend and give coverage. Assigned journalists are requested to confirm their attendance with Captain Thabo Sello, see details below on or before Friday, 10 November 2017 no later than 12h00. All RSVPs will be handled on a first-response-first-priority basis. This is essential for accommodation and catering purpose.
Enquiries:
Captain (South African Navy)
Jaco Theunissen
Cell: 083 633 3179
E-mail: Jaco.theunissen@gmail.com
RSVP:
Captain Thabo Sello
Tel: 012 355 5631/ 6388
Cell: 071 885 0949 or 060 554 8031 (24 hour contact number)
