South Africa’s National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) has declared itself ready for the Brics summit starting in Sandton on Tuesday.
In accordance with the high-level security command structure, the Sandton Convention Centre will be secured with law enforcement officers deployed around the venue with limited access granted.
The summit kicks off on August 22 and lasts until August 24, and all attendees and personnel will be subjected to strict security checks upon entry. The area will be monitored 24/7 for any suspicious activity.
Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority has issued an airspace restriction notice around the conference precinct. Transportation, routes, venues, accommodations, traffic management, and sea, land and air border protection are included in the overall security plan.
Natjoints, which operates under the leadership of the South African Police Service, the State Security Agency and the South African National Defence Force, noted that the summit was widely regarded as an “important event on the calendar of geopolitics”.
Natjoints is mandated to secure and ensure thorough planning, implementation, execution and monitoring of all aspects concerning safety, security and stability in the country.
Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili, who serves as the deputy national police commissioner of South Africa and also holds the position of co-chairperson within Natjoints, said no stone would be left unturned to ensure everyone’s safety.
“I would like to assure the nation that Natjoints is satisfied with its plans to secure the Brics Summit,” she said.
As with previous summits held in the country, Natjoints is confident the upcoming event will also take place in a safe and secure environment, she said.
Sandton, South Africa’s global financial centre and economic hub, will welcome international delegates from Brics member nations, including Brazil, Russia, India and China. Also participating will be nations interested in joining the growing geopolitical network.
However, Natjoints said the security cluster would enhance its capabilities through advanced technology and a maximum level of involvement from law enforcement agencies.
“We take every event as if it is being held for the first time,” said Mosikili.
Maximum resources have been mobilised from all departments involved in the event planning, together with various law enforcement agencies such as the Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg metro police departments, she said.
Mosikili assured the nation that a committee consisting of representatives from many departments across all three spheres of government had been meeting regularly to address the development of a security strategy. Moreover, she added, only accredited guests would be allowed into the venue.
Mosikili warned that anyone found with fraudulent accreditation would be subjected to the full might of the law. For a high-density operational approach, increased roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, expanded foot patrols and vehicle-mounted air patrols will be mounted.
Mosikili said the airspace restrictions encompassed an area within a two-nautical mile radius and extended up to 5000 feet above sea level.
From 8am on August 20 to midnight on August 24, restricted airspace will be implemented. The restriction also applies to unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as drones.
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