The Gay and Lesbian Alliance will be among five interest groups set to ”welcome” African heads of state on their arrival in Durban from Sunday for the launch of the African Union next week.
Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula on Friday said the others were a group from Ethiopia, another from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a trade interest organisation, and members of the Socialist Party of Azania.
”The gay and lesbian lobby will be there to welcome President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe,” he told reporters.
The demonstrations would be staged around Durban’s International Convention Centre, where the heads of state will meet from Monday.
Nqakula said police had contingency plans in place, but were not overly concerned.
”We will be ready for them in the nicest possible way,” he quipped.
The five groups all had to apply for permission to stage peaceful pickets, which was granted as a matter of routine.
Deputy President Jacob Zuma, Cabinet ministers and their deputies were on Friday bracing themselves for a long and hectic Sunday to greet dozens of heads of states. Most of the 52 African leaders invited had so far confirmed their attendance.
Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad said Zuma would ”as far as humanly possible” be on hand to receive the heads of state on their arrival at Durban International Airport.
He would be supported by a rotating set of ministers or deputies.
The heads of state would be accommodated in five-star hotels in the coastal city.
All indications were that Durban would be squeaky clean for the important visitors — despite a national strike by municipal workers who have been trashing city streets earlier in the week.
Nqakula said the city council had commissioned private companies to clean up the streets, and to ensure the continued removal of rubbish. They would be backed up by soldiers.
The leadership of the SA Municipal Workers’ Union had since condemned the conduct of members who were throwing rubbish around.
”We are not expecting further trashing of streets,” Nqakula said. – Sapa