Despite security concerns, the premier of Gauteng promises that the G20 Summit is ready

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has stated that the province is ready and prepared to host the G20 Leaders' Summit despite a recent spate of violent crimes.

Lesufi addressed the media on the province's state of readiness for the two-day summit, which kicks off at the Nasrec Expo Centre on November 22 and 23.

The much-anticipated gathering, which will be held under the theme "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability", is expected to host no less than 20 heads of state and other prominent travellers.

Lesufi sent a strong warning to criminals who are planning to disrupt the gathering, saying they will regret their decision as his administration has a comprehensive plan to deal with them.

Lesufi said enough measures have been taken to improve certain areas of concern to ensure a crime-free and safer province for international travellers to return to South Africa beyond the summit.

"We know areas of deep concern, and we have used some meetings building up to the summit as dry runs. We have a good grasp of this area of concern, but we do not doubt our state of readiness... We want to say to the chance takers and those who are planning to disrupt us to dare us, because we are ready for them," he said.

Lesufi added that the province has invested in state-of-the-art security, which will ensure that world leaders and international guests are safe at all times.

He further stated that intergovernmental law enforcement agencies will be on standby to ensure the safe travel of international delegates.

"In terms of safety, the SAPS is working in full coordination with other agencies, has robust plans in place that we have adopted to make sure Gauteng is safe. Our delegates will be escorted by some of these units, which will be deployed across all our ports of entry as part of a comprehensive strategy that will ensure that our main airports and fire blades operate at an elevated level." 

Speaking on police preparedness in ensuring a crime-free summit, Gauteng Deputy Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana, confirmed the breakthrough made by his team in apprehending a suspect linked to the Reiger Park mass shooting incident this week.

"We are not in slumberland, and we are not folding our arms as law enforcement agencies. We continue to push and work hard in apprehending suspects," Kekana said.

Lesufi denied reports that the province, which has reprioritised its budget to ensure a successful summit, has only acted to make its major routes and corridors beautiful, only to please international visitors.

Lesufi added that the G20 Summit represents not just an economic opportunity, but also a chance to foster international relationships and promote cultural exchange.

He added that the province has taken a proactive approach in preparing for this event, which is also expected to boost its tourism sector.

"We are also taking advantage to boost tourism in our province. We are of the view that tourists will start streaming into the province as early as next week. Our preparations have sent a strong message that we will allow them to come back beyond the G20 Summit.

Our major hotels are almost full, and this will bring our economy to a better level and a vibrant atmosphere that reflects what Gauteng is known for," he said.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za