Pretoria - The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has assured the nation that its security forces are ready to secure the delivery of the 2017 State of the Nation Address.
“All departments within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS), as well as other critical role players, have, in accordance with their mandates, been activated to mobilise the resources necessary to ensure that the SONA is delivered in a safe and secure environment,” NATJOINTS spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said on Wednesday.
NATJOINTS guarantees the people of South Africa that the security deployment, led by the South African Police Service, will execute their mandate without fear or favour in a coordinated and professional manner.
“All law enforcement agencies are urged to operate within the confines of the laws and prescripts of this country, with emphasis on exercising maximum restraint when called upon to act in response to behaviour that contravenes any law,” Naidoo said.
He called on all -- including those in attendance, those taking part in authorised protest action, all political parties and structures from all walks of life -- to comply with the rules.
Naidoo said it is in the best interest of the country that a conducive environment is created to enable the delivery of the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Naidoo warned that any action aimed at disrupting the SONA or causing inconvenience to any law-abiding citizen will be dealt with accordingly within the ambit of the law.
“The law enforcement agencies will ensure that law enforcement is the order of the day. Lawlessness will not be tolerated. It is important that all laws and regulations are strictly complied with at all times so that this process can unfold in a dignified and befitting manner,” Naidoo said.
Meanwhile, NATJOINTS says the deployment of 441 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to Parliament to assist police is not an extraordinary measure.
“The SANDF is part and parcel of the JCPS Cluster and the NATJOINTS. Their support role in securing the State of the Nation Address remains critical and they are to be allowed to take their rightful place.”
President Jacob Zuma is set to deliver his address on Thursday at 7pm, where he will highlight what has been achieved by his administration. He will also speak on government priorities and programmes for the year ahead. - SAnews.gov.za
