/ 27 November 2006

Government security council launched

Criminals should not be allowed to penetrate state institutions, police National Commissioner Jackie Selebi said on Monday at the launch of the Government Sector Security Council (GSSC) in Pretoria.

The GSSC’s main role will be to coordinate, monitor and regulate security of certain national key points — such as OR Tambo International airport — and strategic installations such as provincial legislatures and the Union Buildings.

Selebi said such institutions should assess their vulnerability and increase their investment in security.

The council’s assistant commissioner, Tembela Kulu, said private companies, like cash-in-transit companies, would not be regulated by the GSSC.

”We are aware that the private companies have their own structures but we will consult them,” Kulu said.

However, she said the GSSC will serve as a body that will set standards for security provisioning and physical security that must be followed.

The body will also give guidelines on what kind of personnel should be hired.

”Audits will be done to check that those people have what is required for them to their jobs.”

These standards will be enforced by the South African Police Service, which will record and report physical-security deficiencies, conduct audits and provide technical support.

The GSSC strategic partners include regulatory bodies, government departments, the South African National Roads Agency and the National Intelligence Agency.

Penalties of non-adherence will include suspension of licences. — Sapa