MAKHANDA - A town with a rich history and heritage in the Eastern Cape was painted blue with the arrival of about 110 SAPS members from other districts in the province who are deployed during the period of the National Arts Festival to ensure safety and security of the attendees of the annual National Arts Festival, which started on Thursday, 23 June up to Sunday, 03 July 2022.
On Thursday morning, 23 June 2022, outside Town Hall in Makhanda, several dignitaries shared messages of support They were led by the Makana Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Yandiswa Vara, who said, "the council is fully behind you, the to ensure the safety of all visitors and tourists during this festival"
The Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner: Visible Policing, Brig Majikijela during her speech, added, "remember that your responsibility during this festival is to carry out your mandate as stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the prescripts of the SAPS. Members of the SAPS, you are reminded that during your deployment you are on duty, and your conduct should be in keeping with the Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics of the SAPS."
"The National Arts Festival started in 1975, and it is the biggest festival in the continent. We are expecting an influx of people, after the relaxation of the DMA regulations for this year's activities", reiterated Ms Monica Newton from the National Arts Festival Foundation.
The first day of the festival ran smoothly without any reported criminal activities. Members will remain on deployment for the duration of the festival.
Source: South African Police Service