WeeklySA_AdminCENTREPIECE: The Sandton Convention Centre is one of South Africa’s most prestigious and technologically advanced business and conference centres.
The centre regularly hosts world-class conventions, exhibitions, meetings and events.Situated on Maude Street in Sandown, less than five-minute walk from Sandton City Shopping Centre, the 12-storey Sandton Convention Centre offers more than 22 000m² of events space and is driven by a team of experts.
For added convenience, the Sandton Convention Centre is linked to Sandton City by skywalk bridge
SECURITY BRICKWALL FOR BRICS SUMMIT
By Monk Nkomo
At least 40 heads of state and government will join South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, China’s Xi Jinping, India’s Narendra Modi and Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for the 2023 BRICS summit to be held in Johannesburg, starting on Tuesday.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov represents Vladimir Putin, who will attend virtually to avoid possible arrest for alleged war crimes if he entered the country.
It’s all systems go amid high density operations, which include high visibility of police on foot, air patrols and tight security around the Sandton Convention Centre – the venue of the international meeting.
In a move to ensure the security and safety of international and local delegates who will be attending the summit, the Civil Aviation Authority has also issued a notice to all airmen – operative throughout the duration of the meeting – which restricts the airspace within two nautical miles and 5 000 feet above sea level to the venue of the summit.
‘’All flyers are advised that this is a strictly no-drone zone,’’ was the clear warning from Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili, co-chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) during a media briefing last week. She said they were ready to welcome the international leaders but they wanted this to happen in a safe and secure environment.
The BRICS group of emerging economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – will hold its 15th heads of state and government summit from Tuesday to Thursday.
South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Naledi Pandor has confirmed that the country was more than ready to host the summit and the red carpet is expected to be rolled out for India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Chinese President, Xi Jinping and Brazilian President, Lula da Silva. Russian President, Vladimir Putin, will not attend in person due to a warrant of arrest that had been issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Ukraine.
Putin, who at first was prepared to defy the warrant and attend the summit, was eventually persuaded by amongst others, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, to stay home. Putin is expected to participate in the discussions virtually.
The five leaders will engage in a series of discussions that will include job markets, trade and investment, infrastructure development and digital economy. Ramaphosa is also expected to raise the dilemma of South Africa’s energy crisis which has plunged the country’s economy to its worst levels and has caused the collapse of many businesses and job losses.
South Africa is expected to benefit from this summit through foreign direct investment in key areas that include clean energy, mining, financial services, IT, automotive, transportation and clean energy. These investments and projects could lead to significant creation of jobs, trade and mutual investments and identification of new business opportunities.
Over 40 heads of state, government ministers and diplomats from across the world are expected to attend the summit which is expected to end with fruitful resolutions.
Gauteng Tourism Authority Spokesperson, Barba Gaoganediwe , has been quoted as saying that the summit promised to be an arena for fruitful discussions on energy security and an opportunity to create partnerships to address the sector’s pressing issues.
Addressing the media yesterday, Mosikili said maximum deployment was going to be undertaken for the security operations during the summit. All law enforcement agencies under the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster, would be deployed.
‘’Security will be tightened around the summit venue’’.
The Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg Metro Police departments will also be involved in the execution of the intensive security plan which will include increased roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints. Police will also maintain high visibility on foot as well as on mounted and air patrols.
Road Closures
While the country will be happy to host the international leaders, the BRICS summit will cause some inconvenience for people living or running businesses near the Sandton Convention Centre. Residents have been warned that there will be limited access in areas surrounding the summit venue. Those operating businesses and live nearby, have been advised of the following road closures from 8am on Sunday to Thursday midnight: corner of Maude and West Streets; corner of West Street and Alice Lane; and corner of Alice Lane and 5th Street.
Residents operating businesses and residing near the Midrand Gallagher Estate, are to be aware of the following road closures on August 23 from 3pm to midnight: Gallagher Avenue and Richards Drive; Richards Drive traffic circle; Johnnic Boulevard and Lupton Drive Johnnic Boulevard and Pretoria Main Road.
BRICS AGENDA: WHAT MAJOR ISSUES LIKELY TO BE DISCUSSED?
JOHANNESBURG – The BRICS group of major emerging economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – will hold its 15th heads of state and government summit in Johannesburg from Aug. 22-24.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to attend.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend in person due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Putin will participate in the summit virtually and will be represented in Johannesburg by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Few details have emerged about what they plan to discuss, but here are some of the key issues expected to be on the agenda.
BRICS EXPANSION
The leaders are divided over the expansion of the bloc by adding new members, including the admission criteria. Over 40 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Indonesia, Egypt and Ethiopia, have expressed interest in joining BRICS, according to South Africa.
China, seeking to expand its influence as it tussles with the United States over trade and geopolitics, supports BRICS expansion, while Brazil is sceptical. Russia, hoping to overcome its diplomatic isolation over the Ukraine war, is keen to bring in new members, as is South Africa. India is undecided.
BRICS BANK
The group is also expected to discuss how to boost local currency fundraising and lending within the New Development Bank (NDB), or so-called BRICS bank. Local currency use will help de-risk the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, South Africa’s Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said. – Reuters
