Durban, July 07: Security has been tightened in South Africa for the visit of US President George Bush tomorrow, on the first leg of his five-nation tour of the African continent amidst calls from anti-war activists against his arrival in the country. The American leader will be arriving in Pretoria tomorrow night at the start the trip that would also take him to Botswana, Senegal, Nigeria and Uganda.
The executive mayor of Pretoria, Father Smangeliso Makhathwa, said yesterday that the municipal security will be working closely with the national security establishment to ensure that Bush's visit went off smoothly. "We want to ensure that President Bush's visit to our country is a memorable one," he said.
The authorities have tightened the security following statements by the anti-war coalition that they would be demonstrating against Bush's visit.
Although some protestors would be allowed they would not have a chance of getting anywhere near Bush as all roads in and around union buildings where he would be holding talks with President Thabo Mbeki would be closed to traffic. Oupa Laleroux, a spokesperson for the anti-war coalition, said today that they want to make it clear that bush should not be visiting South Africa because he had caused a great deal of misery through his "war mongering."
"We as a country can stand on our own and I don't think we need Bush to visit us. We will make this point in our protests," he said.
He said South Africa was financially strong to do with out any financial aid Bush was promising the country. Bureau Report