Media Advisory on the SADC Standby Force VIP Day

source: Republic of Botswana (21/9/09) TAUTONA TIMES no 24 of 2009
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

C3) 18/9/09: MEDIA ADVISORY ON THE SADC STANDBY FORCE VIP DAY

The SADC Standby Force will showcase its cohesion, readiness and operational capacity during the VIP Day of its Field Training codenamed "Exercise Golfinho" (FTX) at the Army Combat Training Centre (SAACTC) at Lohatlha in South Africa on September 22, 2009 and on September 23, 2009 at Walvis Bay in Namibia.

The VIP Day is expected to be attended by Ministers responsible for foreign affairs, defence, state security and police from all SADC Member States and representatives from the United Nations, African Union Commission (AUC), International Cooperating Partners (ICPs) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Africa.

The last of three (3) training exercises of the SADC Standby Force at regional level since its launch on August 17, 2007, "Exercise Golfinho" will comprise of fully-fledged peace support operations with all the components included, namely, Nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), internally displaced persons (ICPs), and belligerents forces etc.

The SADC Standby Force is part of the African Peace and Security Architecture, which is guided by the United Nations Peace keeping Framework that requires the Regional Economic Blocks, including SADC to establish regional Standby Brigades towards the ultimate goal of establishing the African Union Standby Force by 2010.

Media practitioners wishing to cover the VIP Day at both Lohatla and Walvis Bay are strongly advised to confirm their intentions via email to: mmvisser@mil.za with copies to Lmartin@sadc.int and sevans@sadc.int by not later than the morning of September 18, 2009.

Air transport from Pretoria to Lohatla in the morning of September 22 and back to Pretoria afternoon as well as from Pretoria to Walvis Bay in the morning of September 23 and back in the afternoon will be provided to two (2) media practitioners per SADC Member State on a first come first served basis. Media Personnel making use of this transport will need to book in advance through the provided contact details.

Accommodation and transport to and from Pretoria will be for the cost of the media personnel. Those wishing to drive to Lohatla are welcome to do so, but are strongly advised to first confirm their participation to the given address and then to contact the relevant authorities upon arrival at Lohatla.

All media members must report to AFB Swartkop where they will be able to join the rest of the team. Reporting time at the AFB is 06:00, dress must be comfortable. Remember a hat, rain coat, sunscreen and water. It can be very hot in Lohatlha.

Enquiries:

SOUTH AFRICA SADC SECRETARIAT
Mr. S. Dlamini
hoc@mil.za
Tel: +27 12 355 6105
Fax: +27 12 355 6013

Leefa Penehupifo Martin (Ms)
Tel: + 267 3951 863 (op)
Cell: + 267 7267 0813
Fax: + 267 3972 848/318070

Maj. Lindie Grobler
Tel: + 27 12 3556404
Cell: + 27 824022037
Fax: + 27 123556019

Ms Segolame Evans
Tel: + 267 3951 863 (op)
Cell: + 267 71733068
Fax: + 267 3972 848/318070