By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has affirmed South Africa’s ability to successfully host the 15th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit.
“This is the second time that the country is hosting the BRICS Summit on South African shores. As with the previous summit held in the country, NATJOINTS is confident that this one too will take place in a safe and secure environment,” said Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Policing.
Theme is “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism.” This theme reflects our vision of BRICS providing global leadership in addressing the needs and concerns of the majority of the world, namely beneficial economic growth, sustainable development and inclusion of the global South in multilateral systems.
This theme also reflects our belief in the benefits a partnership with Africa can bring to BRICS, with our partners eager to explore opportunities to support, and benefit from, operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Mosikili warned against any attempts to distabilise the event.
“Members of the public are cautioned against committing any illegal acts as law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against anyone who conducts themselves in an unlawful manner.
“Any threats or disruptions will be dealt with decisively within the ambit of the law,” Mosikili told reporters.
Mosikili confirmed resources from all government departments involved in the planning of the summit had been mobilised, and that officers from the Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg Metro Police would join the South African Police Service.
“Working closely with all stakeholders, the NatJoints will thus heighten police visibility in and around the conference centre with the aim of preventing and combating any form of opportunistic crime, pre-, during, and post-the summit.”
While she could not disclose the number of members who would be deployed for security reasons, a stern warning was issued to chancers, reiterating that only accredited persons will be allowed near the summit venue.
“Members of the public are cautioned against committing any illegal acts as law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against anyone who conducts themselves in an unlawful manner. Any threats or disruptions will be dealt with decisively within the ambit of the law,” she added.
Motorists have been advised that the roads will be closed from this Sunday, 20 August 2023 until 26 August 2023.
The following roads will be closed:
- Maude Street – one-way traffic from 5th Street to West Street.
- West Street – lanes closest to the convention centre will be closed. The lanes furthest away will be open for traffic.
- Alice Lane – lanes closest to the convention centre will be closed. The lanes furthest away will be open for traffic.
- 5th Street – lanes closest to the convention centre will be closed. The lanes furthest away will be open for traffic.
“The community is requested to be aware of the impact to routes during the Summit and follow traffic updates when travelling around the Sandton Convention Centre. As can be expected, there will be significant security presence around the Sandton CBD for the duration of the summit,” the Gauteng Police Board Initiative said.
The 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 22 to 24 August.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of GCIS.