BHISHO - The Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) which consists of an integration of various departments and security forces, has today the 23 February 2023 declared that the Eastern Cape is ready to ensure a safe and secure State of the Province Address (SOPA) scheduled for Friday, the 24 February 2023 in Bhisho Legislature.

Under the leadership of the South African Police Service, the PROVJOINTS’s Security Committee has been engaged in a meticulous and intense planning process in the weeks preceding the event, to ensure that all the necessary security systems are in place. This includes the security of the venue, identified critical areas around the town for the safety of the people attending the event and state property. Multi-disciplinary operations and deployments are already underway in identified strategic points such as buildings and other national key-points, to ensure an incident-free State of the Province Address.

As part of the security arrangements, there will be road closures and detours which will be manned, monitored and managed by the law-enforcement and traffic officers. This particular arrangement will not in any way disrupt the normal day to day activities. However, members of the public, motorists and pedestrians are urged to observe the guidelines and laid out rules in respect of the restricted areas. Civil servants, workers in the nearby complexes and government buildings will continue to access their businesses and offices.

The Provincial Joint Operation and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) warned all the criminal elements who will take advantage of this busy period, to refrain from such activities, as their actions will be met with the strong arm of the law. Criminal activities will not be tolerated, and those whose intentions is to cross the line and violate the rights of others, must re-consider their ways now than later.

There will be minor disruptions in the flow of traffic affecting the following streets:

• Independence Avenue and the Link Road intersection.

• Independence Avenue and Yellow Woods Road intersection.

Motorists and road users in general are advised to be patient and obey instructions from law enforcement officers who will be controlling the flow of traffic in and around the State House and the Provincial Legislature precinct.

Source: South African Police Service