NATJOINTS Puts SADC Summit Security On High Alert, Warns Disruption Will Not Be Tolerated

JOHANNESBURG – South Africa has placed its full security apparatus on high alert ahead of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit in Durban, with intelligence, public order policing, crime prevention, traffic management and specialised units deployed to secure the high-profile regional gathering.

NATJOINTS Chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said the security operation began on 3 August and extends beyond the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) to accommodation facilities, transport routes, side events, public spaces and other areas expected to be used by delegates and visitors.

With 12 Heads of State and Government expected to attend the summit, Mosikili said authorities were taking no chances.

“We have planned extensively for this Summit, and we are not leaving anything to chance. Our approach is proactive. We are not waiting for incidents to happen before we act.”

He said intelligence structures were already operational, with security agencies working jointly to identify and neutralise potential threats before they could materialise.

The heightened security operation comes as ministers and senior delegations from SADC member states begin arriving in Durban ahead of the leaders’ summit later this week.

Mosikili said the operation had already passed an important early test, with no security incidents or disruptions reported during preparatory meetings, side events and other activities since the deployment began.

Firm warning over protests

While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful protest, NATJOINTS issued a strong warning against any attempts to use demonstrations to disrupt the summit.

Mosikili said most marches held across South Africa in recent months had been peaceful, but warned that criminality, intimidation, property damage and attempts to interfere with the regional gathering would not be tolerated.

“You have a right to protest peacefully and lawfully. You do not have a right to commit criminal acts. The disruption of the 46th SADC Ordinary Summit will not be allowed.”

He said security forces would respond to threats to public safety “decisively, proportionately and within the law”.

The warning comes as authorities prepare for potential protests or other disruptions around the summit footprint.

Tight access controls at Durban ICC

Security has also been tightened at the Durban ICC, where access will be strictly controlled through the summit accreditation system.

Mosikili said one Zimbabwean national had already been arrested after allegedly attempting to obtain summit accreditation while presenting himself as a performing artist.

He stressed that accreditation was strictly individual and non-transferable.

Anyone attempting to lend, borrow, exchange or share accreditation could be removed from controlled areas and face possible legal action.

“We will not compromise the integrity of the accreditation system. No accreditation, no access.”

The Durban ICC is being treated as a controlled security environment, with entry limited to properly accredited and authorised individuals.

Durban declared stable and ready

Despite the heightened security measures, Mosikili sought to reassure residents, visitors and delegates that Durban remained safe and ready to host the summit.

“I can confirm that Durban is stable, secure and ready to host the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit.”

The security plan also accounts for other major events in the city, including rugby and soccer matches.

Motorists should expect temporary road closures and traffic restrictions, particularly when Heads of State are transported between venues.

Authorities are urging motorists to cooperate with law enforcement, follow official instructions and plan their journeys with possible delays in mind.

Travellers have also been advised to monitor weather updates from the South African Weather Service and exercise caution on the roads amid the current cold conditions.

A welcome for SADC neighbours

Alongside its strong security message, NATJOINTS has called on Durban residents to welcome visiting leaders, diplomats and delegates with the hospitality associated with South Africa.

“We want our visitors to experience the best of South Africa.”

Mosikili said the summit provides South Africa with an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to host a major international gathering while showcasing the warmth and hospitality of its people.

But behind the welcoming message is a security operation that will remain on high alert throughout the summit.

“Our message to those attending the Summit is simple: you are safe in South Africa.”

For anyone seeking to exploit the gathering, however, Mosikili left little room for interpretation.

“We are ready. We are watching. We will act.”