Sapa

President Jacob Zuma, left, and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe wear green with the rest of the cabinet in Cape Town this week to show support for the COP17 scheduled to take place in Durban next week.

A permit has been issued for a civil society march to the COP17 climate change summit in Durban on Saturday, December 3, but it is expected to be peaceful, says the incoming summit president, International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

Last week there were several media reports, not officially confirmed, that the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) planned protests at the summit as part of its “fight-back” campaign after disciplinary action by the ANC against league leaders.

One report quoted insiders as saying suspended ANCYL leader Julius Malema wanted to humiliate President Jacob Zuma on the world stage by disrupting proceedings.

Nkoana-Mashabane’s colleague, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, who will head South Africa’s delegation to the summit, said they had been engaging with non-government groups throughout the build-up to the summit and there had been no incidents.

“There is no threat from those quarters,” she said.

The two ministers were responding to questions at a media conference this week.

Maite Nkoana-Mashabane told the media that security preparations for a broad range of possible threats and disruptions were being implemented.

“There will be a solid team of dedicated personnel for COP17 that will be deployed around the ICC (Durban Convention Centre venue) and exhibition area. The SAPS will work closely with the SANDF, metro police, fire department, correctional services and disaster management.”

The core area would be declared a “United Nations zone” for the duration of the summit, and the inner perimeter would be controlled by the UN’s own department of safety and security.

“UNFCCC (climate change convention) borders will be clearly demarcated as the ‘blue zone’ which will be different from the ‘red zone’, which will be the responsibility of the police.

“We go to Durban without any doubt in as far as logistical preparations are concerned.”

Asked specifically if she was aware of the reported protest plans, Nkoana-Mashabane said South Africa was “known for its demonstrations”.

“This country is the product of negotiations and voices of even the most downtrodden are listened to.

Permission has been granted – it will be a very peaceful march,” she said. – Daily News Correspondent