South African President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized the US for failing to discuss a terror alert issued by the American Embassy with local authorities.
The embassy warned on Wednesday that one of South Africa’s wealthiest suburbs may be the target of an attack this weekend, and advised its staff to avoid crowds of people and other large public gatherings.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office issued a travel warning echoing the US statement.
“It was quite unfortunate that the US government issued that type of warning without having had a deep-dive type of discussion with us,” Ramaphosa said at a briefing in the capital, Pretoria.
“It is unfortunate that another government should issue such a threat as to send panic among our people.”
The authorities are working to verify the threat, and the government will issue an alert if needs be, he said.
US mission spokesman David Feldmann declined to comment further when contacted by phone.
City of Joburg responds
The City of Johannesburg, meanwhile, has also responded to the alert, saying that it is taking the matter seriously and is taking extra precautions ahead of a busy weekend of events.
“The Johannesburg Multi-Party Government has taken serious note of and action following the security alert issued by the United States Embassy to the Republic of South Africa and the subsequent travel advisory issued by the United Kingdom, which both warn of a potential terrorist attack in Joburg, in particular the Sandton area, over the weekend,” it said.
Current mayor, Mpho Phalatse, said that the United States Consul-General in Johannesburg, Vincent Spera, contacted her to inform her of the embassy’s detection of a potential attack in the city.
“In order to ensure that the City is well-informed and prepared for any eventuality, I have spoken with the Gauteng Provincial South African Police Service (SAPS) Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela, requesting that any and all information and intelligence be shared with the City,” she said.
“The Provincial Commissioner has assured me that the necessary measures have been put in place and that nothing will be left to chance.”
The MMC for Public Safety, Cllr David Tembe, and the Acting Chief of the Joburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Thulani Khanyile have advised that visible policing resources have been deployed to the Sandton area.
“I have further requested the City’s Joint Operations Committee (JOC) to provide a full list of events taking place in Joburg over the coming days, which will be shared with law enforcement authorities and the National Government,” Phalatse said.
The JOC is tasked with ensuring that all events held in Joburg are safe and that the event organisers comply with all by-laws and City regulations.
The structure is made up of Municipal-Owned Entities and City Departments – namely Event Management, Disaster Management, City Parks and Zoo, City Power, Emergency Management Services, Environmental Health, Johannesburg Development Agency, JMPD, Johannesburg Water, Johannesburg Roads Agency, Metrobus and Pikitup – and the South African Police Service from National Government.
“The Multi-Party Government has prioritised safety and security and will avail any resources and support required by the SAPS and National Government to ensure the safety of Joburg residents and visitors. Without causing a panic, I would like to encourage residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the SAPS by calling the 10111 emergency line,” the mayor said.
Take the threat seriously – IRMSA
Chief Risk Advisor at the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) Christopher Palm said that whether the terrorist threat is realised or not, businesses in the affected region – Sandton – should take the matter seriously.
“Although the minister in the Presidency has rejected the US government’s cautionary warning, I would recommend a risk response strategy to be considered by organisations, as it does no harm having the crucial conversations about knowing what to do when a situation is potentially violent and dangerous or could turn the same,” he said.
“Please be reminded that this situation may also lead to unrest and/or looting irrespective of whether the actual warning materialises. Having your general emergency response plans and business continuity plans ready is recommended. Be safe.”
Palm said that businesses may want to consider the following:
- Stay clear of the identified area, in this case the Sandton area, specifically over the weekend of the 29th of October 2022.
- The warning also identified the target not just being an area but also ‘large groups’ – needless to say, if you absolutely have to be in Sandton and surrounds during this time, avoid large groups.
- Businesses in this area should strongly consider closing their businesses and inform employees, contractors and customers that access to the premises will be denied as there is a warning of the clear and present danger that could result in possible violence and/or unrest.
- Clear and timeous communication to all staff, contractors and clients/customers expressing your intent to shut down, the period you will be closed and guidance to ensure employees, contractors and customers can safely return as and when decided to do so.
- If work has to continue, insist on virtual meetings minimising the need for travel at all over this time.
- Continuously monitor social media platforms and news feeds for updates and adjust your risk response strategies accordingly.
- Be aware of fake news at all times! Do not spread unvalidated news, and advise staff accordingly to be cautious of what they share.
- Make sure that your crisis communication plan is updated and operational.
- Make sure all employees are familiar with the company’s emergency and security plans.
- If you are situated in Sandton and its surrounds, remain alert for any activity out of the ordinary and stay indoors.
- Make sure you have the updated numbers for the security services and medical response units, and test your alarm/panic systems.
- For corporates, make sure that your security team/company is adequately briefed and prepared and have familiarised themselves with and tested their emergency and crisis response plans.
Official statement from the presidency following the alert on Wednesday:
The South African government has noted the terror alert issued by the US Embassy on its website. This is part of the US government’s standard communication to its citizens.
It is the responsibility of the South African security forces to ensure that all people within our country feel safe.
Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor for any threats to our citizens, our nation and our sovereignty.
Threats are assessed continuously and are acted upon to ensure the safety of all. Should the need arise; the South African government will be the first to inform the public about any imminent threat.
Additional reporting by Bloomberg
