25 Apr 2023

Organisers of the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix have assured the nation of tight security ahead of the event.

In an interview, the secretary for protocol and security, Peloewetse Nfana, said they had engaged security organs such as the Botswana Police Service, Botswana Defence Force, Directorate on Intelligence and Security Services as well as a private security company.

“We are still working on the private security company to engage, but I can assure you that there will be one in place to complement government security organs. I can also assure Batswana that security on the day of the event will be as tight and visible as necessary,” he said. Mr Nfana said it was important to prioritise security given the fact that this was an international event.

“Remember that we will have an influx of foreign nationals in athletes, officials, fans and in other capacities. So it is important that we make them feel safe and at home, especially that we are a nation internationally renowned for peace and tranquility,” he said.

Mr Nfana said although he could not disclose the number of security personnel that will be in place, such personnel would be deployed at major areas such as airport, athletes’ villages, parking lots, competition venue as well as along routes that would be used.

“We will start deploying the security on the day that athletes start to arrive, which is Tuesday. As one of the key stakeholders, the security organs will be one of the first to be deployed, and the last to depart”.

Meanwhile the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has also assured the nation that the event will not be affected by load shedding schedule.

In an interview, BPC marketing and communications manager, Ms Dineo Seleke said as a corporation, they have a resolution to avoid load shedding in areas where major international events take place.

“So we will not do any load shedding in Gaborone until such major events like Forbes U30 and the Grand Prix are done, therefore Batswana can be assured of their smooth running as far as power availability is concerned,” she said. ENDS