Pretoria - With US President Barack Obama in the country, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure has urged the public to be patient as they coordinate safety and security concerning the visit to Cape Town.
Obama and his family landed at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria on Friday, and proceeded to several engagements over the course of Saturday as part of his three-nation African tour.
The US President is in Cape Town today.
Amid tight security, which has seen several roads being closed off to the general public, the US delegation has visited various venues in Gauteng, and will do so in Cape Town.
“It is requested that members of the public refrain from converging in those areas in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the aircraft or vehicles in the security or transportation details, or even of the VIPs,” SAPS’s Brigadier Sally de Beer pleaded.
De Beer said during the dry-runs for Obama’s visit, which included the landing of helicopters, people were running across busy roads towards the aircraft.
“This not only places the pedestrians and road users at risk, it is very dangerous to approach a helicopter while its rotors are turning.”
Although all security operations undertaken were conducted in a manner aimed at causing as little inconvenience as possible to the community, businesses and other visitors to the country, De Beer pleaded with those who encounter inconveniences to remain patient and to be cooperative with security forces and public safety officers.
“We remain committed to upholding South Africa’s good reputation as hosts of secure international events and visits. All security measures are intended to keep both the VIPs and our own citizens safe.”
Obama and his delegation will today visit the prison museum on Robben Island.
Obama will then stop at a community centre focused on healthcare with retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
He will go on to give a speech of his African tour at the University of Cape Town before heading to Tanzania, his last stop in the tour. - SAnews.gov.za
