By REGINALD KANYANE
The Co-Chairperson of Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) in North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng said after months and weeks of detailed and integrated planning, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in North West, has just concluded and put a stamp of approval, appreciation and gratitude to the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS).
Asaneng said this comes after the high level Safety and Security Plan that enabled the holding and delivery of free, fair and credible National and Provincial Elections (NPE) under difficult circumstances since the dawn of democratic state 30 years ago.
He said in planning for this year’s elections, the PROVJOINTS and the IEC had to take into account budgetary and cost containment constraints.
Asaneng further said this was done without jeopardising and compromising the safety, security and credibility of not only the IEC, but also the safety and security of the elections and the many political parties and contestants, who registered to vote and took part in the elections, which were spread over three days of voting.
“The PROVJOINTS, which was entrusted with the mammoth task and responsibility of securing the entire process, was for the first time faced with an unprecedentedly high number of political parties. More than 30 and three different ballot papers.
“This includes the first time use of Voter Management Devices (VMDs) by the IEC, in addition to managing the stability situation in the province. Despite the uncertainty and threats of disruptions of elections, the PROVJOINTS managed to deliver on its assurance to the IEC and all the people of North West that elections will be held in a safe, secure and conducive environment,” he said.
Asaneng added that it is now common cause that the elections in the province were without any major or significant security breaches. He said this is highly due to the command, management, commitment, dedication and support of all the joint departments, the IEC, the communities, and civil society in the province.
“The joint command of the PROVJOINTS led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force and State Security Agency and ably supported by the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster departments, State Owned Entities (SOEs), the District and Local Municipalities and Provincial Disaster Management Centre, would like to express its sincerest appreciation to all the men and women of different law enforcement agencies and different entities, who heeded the call of duty by working tirelessly and diligently to make sure that the 2024 epoch making elections were held in a safe and secure, peaceful and conducive environment,” said Asaneng.
He said the dedication, discipline, cooperation and commitment displayed by all is testament to the spirit of patriotism and further enhanced the image of South Africa internationally, given the fact that the eyes of the world were on this year’s elections.
He said the PROVJOINTS would like to take this opportunity to express its gratitude to all those who made sure that there is stability during the elections.
TaungDailyNews 