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MEC S Manana assures Chile of safety during the 2010 World Cup

12 May 2010

Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Sibongile Manana has assured the government of Chile that their stay in Nelspruit during the 2010 World Cup will be safe and secure. 

MEC Manana was speaking at a breakfast meeting with the Ambassador of Chile Fransisco Marambio on 12 May 2010. 

She indicated that it is all systems go in terms of ensuring a safe and secure tournament in June and Chile should be assured that they would have a memorable stay in Mpumalanga especially in Nelspruit. 

“The security sector in the province is ready, you can be rest assured with security, as we are very much prepared. If anything happens really, it will be very minimal.
“We hope that even long after the World Cup had finished, Chile and Mpumalanga will have good relationship emanating from this event,” said MEC Manana.

Chile preferred to have its base camp for the World Cup in one of White River’s luxurious accommodation facilities, outside Nelspruit.

Ambassador Marambio requested a meeting with MEC Manana in order to be assured about Chile’s security in Mpumalanga.  

He explained that the Chilean Government believed that everything would be fine during the World Cup and will only send a civilian and a military police officer. 

“There is no concern of security threat in your country, not many police officers will be sent from Chile to accompany the national team.
“We are happy with the arrangements here, Tuesday, 11 May 2010, we visited the stadium, we are happy with the grass, our players will enjoy themselves,” said Ambassador Marambio.

He added that Chileans soccer fans were not troublesome and are expected not to trouble the South African law enforcing agents.

“It is not only about the World Cup, the tour is also about enjoying and exploring places like the Kruger National Park and other tourism destinations outside of Mpumalanga. We are only nervous about road accidents because they are not used to driving on the left, of course they will be scared, but they will learn. They will obviously feel like at home because people are kind and nice in your country,” said Ambassador Marambio.

Over 10 000 World Cup tickets were sold in Chile and over 1 500 Chilean reside in Cape Town, he explained.

Enquiries:

Zibonele Mncwango
Tel:
013 766 4018
Cell: 072 159 1865

 

Issued by: Mpumalanga Department Safety, Security and Liaison


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