Security measures beefed ahead of 2010 world cup activities

By Ofentse Mokae
30 November 2009

Security forces around the city have beefed up their operations ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final Draw on Friday.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) working together with 14 other government departments have been hard at work to ensure that South Africa hosts a safe and secure tournament.

Natjoints Director Sally De Beer says the police and the army will deploy some of their key units and state-of-the-art equipment and will engage an inter-departmental strategy in order to secure the various activities leading up to the draw.

“The South African Police Service, the South African Defence Force and the intelligence agencies are ready to decisively deal with any contingency, be it on land, in the air or at sea,” De Beer said.

The Natjoints will establish a National Joint Operational Centre in Cape Town between today and December 7 2009 and will work together with the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.

Natjoints will also work with FIFA and the Local Organising Committee to ensure that all security obligations are met efficiently.

To this end, one of the security measures to be implemented is the temporary restriction of airspace during certain periods in the vicinity of the Cape peninsula and Robben Island.

“The aim of the temporary flight restriction, as is the aim of all the security forces 2010 FIFA World Cup activities, is to ensure maximum safety with minimum disruption to the community,” added de Beer.