Manana assures Chile
of Safety During World Cup
Media Statement
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 today [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, yesterday [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.
Issued by Mpumalanga Department
Safety, Security and Liaison
Enquiries: Zibonele Mncwango
Tel: 013 766 4018
Cell: 072 159 1865
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