Media statement by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure on the hosting of the International Aids Conference
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) comprising of various Government Departments has put plans in place to ensure a safe and secure International Aids Conference (AIDS 2016).
The National Department of Health, South Africa will be hosting the 21st International Aids Conference (AIDS 2016) at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Complex in Durban from 18 to 22 July 2016.
The conference, which will comprise of more than 500 sessions, workshops, and programme activities is expected to attract approximately 18000 delegates including VVIPs and some 1000 journalists all of which are representing 180 countries.
A priority committee under the auspices of the NatJOINTS, has been meeting regularly with relevant role-players to develop the security plan for the main event as well for other planned parallel events. The plan is designed to be executed in three phases, the pre-conference phase, the conference phase and the post conference phase to cater for the arrival of delegates as well as their departure after the conference.
This essential security approach is to establish uncompromising security measures, limiting the impact of any incidents occurring through contingency planning and limiting the probability of incidents occurring before, during and after the event.
The security plan will primarily focus on the concentric rings of security which includes border security, route security, city security, venue security as well as crowd management. With regards to marches and demonstrations, there will be a designated speakers corner to cater for protestors.
We will maintain a high visibility of police officers on foot and vehicle patrols during the three phases of the operation. The presence of law enforcement officials for the duration of this conference will serve to enhance day-to-day policing in all the identified areas.
Traffic disruptions can be expected around the conference venues given the large number of delegates in attendance. Motorists are advised that all four streets enclosing the conference venue will either be closed or the flow of traffic restricted for the duration of the conference.
Among the many planned parallel events to support the AIDS 2016 Conference are the Pre TB Conference Fun Walk, South African Grandmothers Gathering, Keep the Promise Awareness March, etc.
Only accredited people and vehicles will be allowed within restricted areas. Therefore, people that are not yet accredited, including the media, are urged to make the necessary arrangements to obtain their accreditation.
South Africa is renowned for its ability to successfully host major international events such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup, The Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit, the COP17 Conference and the BRICS Summit to mention a few. This was achieved with overwhelming support of various stakeholders, not forgetting the citizens of this country.
We have drawn a lot of valuable experience from the hosting of these events that will be used to sharpen our ability to secure the Aids Conference. Despite this experience and proven track record, we will not relax our guard. We continuously strive to improve and raise the bar further on our record of hosting such events.
Enquiries:
Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo
Cell: 082 567 4153
