TIGHT SECURITY FOR AIDS MEETING
RECENT terror attacks have forced government to beef up security for this week’s 21st International Aids Conference – and had put security agencies on high alert.
Yesterday, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe said many delegates and dignitaries attending the conference had come from countries which had faced “terrorism or insecurity of varying intensity”.
“It is with such developments in mind that South African authorities have gone to great lengths, as we always do with events of this nature and on this scale, to ensure that delegates and our own citizens will be safe during this conference,” Radebe said.
The conference – which was last hosted in South Africa in 2000, also in Durban – officially starts today, but pre-events had been taking place since Saturday morning.
Delegates had been arriving in the city since Thursday. There is a heavy police and private security presence at the host venue, the International Convention Centre and surrounding facilities. Police will be conducting foot and vehicle patrols throughout the city centre.
While Durban is no stranger to hosting massive global conferences, Radebe said recent terror attacks had resulted in more stringent security measures being implemented.
The defence force and intelligence agencies were also part of the security teams.
“What is different is the global situation, which is why we are taking all possible measures to make sure our guests are safe. We have had to reac- tivate the national joint operation and intelligence centres to make sure we leave no stone unturned in protecting everyone who is attending this conference,” he said.
No glitches or security incidents had been reported by yesterday.
As many as 18 000 delegates, and 800 journalists, are expected to attend the conference. Among the high-profile guests are UN secretary-general Ban Ki Moon, British royal Prince Harry, actress Charlize Theron and entertainer Elton John.