Army’s routine mountain training could be adapted to fight crime
I would like to clarify my recent proposal to request SA National Defence Force (SANDF) assistance with the critical task of securing our tourist attractions, particularly Table Mountain and the vast geographical area that includes Kirstenbosch Gardens.
Clearly, these iconic sites represent a huge security challenge as we attempt to prevent the kinds of incidents which have resulted in tourism warnings being issued by the British, French and Australian governments.
It is unacceptable that Table Mountain should be mentioned in the same sentence as Hillbrow in the text of these warnings.
The criminal element has now made our treasured places of natural beauty their hunting ground, knowing that chances of capture are minimal.
In attacking Table Mountain, the timeless symbol of our Mother City, they have struck at the heart of all we hold dear as Capetonians.
Desperate circumstances require us all to think out of the box.
The SANDF uses Table Mountain National Park for training and manoeuvres as a matter of routine and I see no reason why this could not be expanded and formalised into a planned security operation.
Our country obviously has a very real and understandable sensitivity when it comes to the military performing domestic security operations. This must always be respected.
There does, however, come a time when sensitivities are outweighed by practicalities.
In the case of securing Table Mountain, I think we should all accept that this time has now come.
Please e-mail any suggestions on this or any other tourism-related issue to me at simong@capetown.gov.za.
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26 Février 2007 à 11:19 dans
- zsandf (anglais)
