Johannesburg - With exactly a month to kick off for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, the 2010 Local Organising Committee's (LOC) plans are at an advanced stage with safety and security measures all in place.
Briefing the media on the final operational plans for the tournament on Thursday, Chief Security Officer for the LOC, Linda Mti said every plan had been finalised and checked and they were ready to roll.
"The preparations by this committee and government are at an advanced stage with necessary measures to ensure safety and security during the tournament.
"From airports, boarders, ports to hotels, we are ready to protect visitors and locals from any unwarranted events and criminal activity," he said, adding that everything was in order for the tournament.
The LOC has outlined a comprehensive operation plan for the tournament, including security, transport, volunteers and logistics.
To ensure maximum security for the teams, Mr Mti said each team will be provided with four South African Police Service (SAPS) intervention force members as well as private security officers.
"Officers will escort the teams from airports to the hotel and from the hotel to the training grounds and to stadiums," he said, adding that VIPs will also be provided with security officers as well as police officers.
SAPS Deputy National Commissioner for Operational Services
Andre Pruis said police officers and members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) were fully prepared for the tournament and operational measures have been finalised.
Although the tournament will be played in three host cities, Deputy Commissioner Pruis said other provinces will also participate in the operational plans as most of the visitors will be traveling throughout the country to visit heritage sites.
"Intelligence operations are all prepared and nothing will stop us from delivering excellent service. All our plans have been finalised and prepared to protect teams, FIFA delegations, dignitaries and the local community," Deputy Commissioner Pruis explained.
Deputy Commissioner Pruis affirmed that police officers, members of the SAPS Task Force as well as members of SANDF will be adequately deployed at stadiums, hotels and training grounds.
