By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A 24-hour National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Coordination Centre (NCC) was officially opened today at the SAPS Tshwane Academy in Pretoria.
The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Police Minister Bheki Cele, his Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Home Affairs Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, Defence Minister Thandi Modise, Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu, and senior government officials.
NatJoints has declared its readiness to handle any potential violence and disruptions related to the 2024 elections by closely monitoring and bolstering security at high-risk areas and voting stations, as well as keeping a watchful eye over inciteful rhetoric on social media.
This was outlined in a press conference by NatJoints, which comprises of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the State Security Agency (SSA), on May 19th.
“We are confident that the measures that have been put in place are sufficient to ensure that the country’s upcoming general elections proceed without any incidents of crime and disruptions,” said chairperson of NatJoints, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili.
According Mosikili, the executive management of the SAPS recently visited each province to assess their state of readiness, saying that “the work done with the respective provincial commissioners at the helm, confirms that all provinces are ready.”
The operational phase of the NatJoints cluster starts on May 22, 2024, with its Coordination Centre running until June 9, 2024.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Cele emphasized the significance of the NCC, which stems from lessons learned during the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The establishment of the NCC underscores the necessity for a unified approach to national security challenges.
Cele highlighted the meticulous preparation and renovation undertaken to ensure the NCC’s functionality, including the installation of cutting-edge equipment and technology. The centre serves as a central hub for coordinating information and facilitating swift responses to security-related incidents.
Meetings of the NATJOINTS, the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Directors General, as well as Priority Committees and work streams, will be held at the NCC. The facility also houses the National Joint Operational Centre (NATJOC) and provides space for Mission Area Joint Operational Centres (MAJOC).
With representatives from various government departments, agencies, state-owned enterprises, and private sector stakeholders, the NCC is poised to become the nerve centre for planning major national events, including elections and presidential inaugurations.
Cele affirmed that the NCC’s operations will continue post-elections, operating 24/7, 365 days a year, to ensure seamless coordination of NATJOINTS activities. The minister reiterated the commitment of NATJOINTS to serving and protecting law-abiding citizens and residents of South Africa.