South Africa is preparing to welcome leaders, ministers, diplomats and other delegates from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to Durban, with authorities calling on residents to showcase the warmth and hospitality for which the country is known.
The city is set to host the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit later this week, bringing together 12 Heads of State and Government for one of the region’s major gatherings.
While extensive security preparations are under way for the summit, National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said the event was also an opportunity for South Africans to demonstrate the country’s welcoming spirit.
“We want our visitors to experience the best of South Africa,” Mosikili said during a media briefing in Durban on Tuesday.
She appealed particularly to the people of Durban to welcome visitors from neighbouring SADC countries with “warmth, hospitality and Ubuntu”.
The message comes as delegations begin arriving in the country ahead of the main summit, with Ministers and other high-level representatives expected from Wednesday.
Heads of State and Government are expected later in the week.
Mosikili said the regional gathering presented South Africa with an opportunity to demonstrate not only its ability to host a major international event, but also the character and hospitality of its people.
“This is an important regional gathering,” she said.
Durban has been declared stable, secure and ready to host the summit, according to NATJOINTS, with preparations extending beyond the main venue at the Durban International Convention Centre.
Security plans cover venues, accommodation facilities, transport routes, public spaces and side events, with authorities also taking into consideration rugby and soccer matches taking place during the summit period.
Temporary road closures are expected when Heads of State are transported between venues, and motorists have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement and plan their journeys accordingly.
Authorities have also asked members of the public to take precautions when travelling to Durban because of current cold weather conditions and to monitor advisories from the South African Weather Service.
Despite the logistical and security requirements surrounding the summit, NATJOINTS said Durban residents should continue with their daily lives while cooperating with security personnel and following official traffic and security instructions.
The emphasis on hospitality is intended to complement the extensive preparations already under way to ensure the safety of visiting leaders and delegates.
Mosikili said South Africa was ready to welcome its SADC neighbours and that NATJOINTS was ready to ensure the summit was safe and successful. – SAnews.gov.za
