letters to the editor - Department of Defence

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2002Ensuring the smooth runningof the World SummitThe SANDF played anintegral part in thewhole process, rightfrom the start.By Lt Col J. Zietsman, SANDFMedia Spokesperson at the WSSD(published in SA Soldier: October2002, page 12)Photo: Sgt David NomtshongwanaFrom 26 August to 4 September2002 South Africa played hostto more than 40 000 delegatesfrom around the world, all ofthem participants in theWorld Summit on SustainableDevelopment (WSSD). More than 105Heads of State took part in the discussions,which in years to come couldimprove the lives of millions of peoplearound the globe.With the eyes of the world focused onJohannesburg for the duration of thisevent, it meant that nothing could beleft to chance. There was no room forerror, especially as far as the safety ofthe thousands of delegates was concerned.That there were no seriousincidents involving safety aspects duringthe Summit says a lot for the dedicationand commitment of all thesecurity forces involved.The SANDF played an integral part inthe whole process, right from the start.All in all the SANDF deployed 1 500people in various roles to ensure thesmooth running of the World Summit.From all over South Africa liaison officerswere appointed to the variousdelegations to ensure that the chiefdelegates were well looked after. ThisA soldier on his way to guard the SandtonConvention Centre area during the World Summiton Sustainable Development.meant that they had to be availableday and night for the duration of theSummit.Each and every accredited visitor tothe Sandton Convention Centre wasescorted on a daily basis by motorbike.The men from 12 SA InfantryBattalion did a splendid job, eachmotorbike rider travelling up to 350km a day. Apart from having toknow the various routes by heart,they also had to contend with thenotorious peak hour traffic inGauteng. That all the delegationsarrived safely and on time says a lotfor the dedication of these soldiers.Members of 21 Battalion and 121Battalion were deployed for the durationof the Summit on the outerperimeters of Gauteng. Their maintask was to assistthe SA PoliceService (SAPS)with cordon andsearch operations,as well asroadblocks. Theywere alsoutilised for theprotection ofbridges on thehighways. Againthey did a splendidjob. Themembers from2 SA InfantryBattalion weredeployed,among otherduties, duringone of thebiggest marchesin recent years inthe Alexandraand Sandton areas. Their presence,together with that of the SAPS, meantthat no incidents of violence occurredat all.The SA Air Force and medical personnelplayed just as vital a role. TwoOryx helicopters assisted with thetrooping of SANDF and SAPS membersto set up roadblocks in theGauteng area, and were also on standbyto assist with any emergency tasks.A fixed-wing aircraft was also availablefor daily reconnaissance tasks.SANDF medical personnel weredeployed at all the headquarters'hotels to look after the well-being ofthe foreign delegates. The service thatthey rendered was excellent. 7Medical Battalion was deployed todeal with any potential biological orchemical threat.18• M A Y 2 0 1 1