Eighty thousand mobile phones have been handed over to the health and police ministries to enable the departments to deal effectively with emergencies during the FIFA World Cup.
The phones were handed over by Minister of Communications, General Siphiwe Nyanda, as part of the 3G (Third Generation) spectrum license. This initiative is in partnership with the country's mobile operators, MTN, Vodacom and Cell C.
Handing over the phones on Tuesday, General Nyanda said out of the 250 000 mobile units due for distribution, 80 000 will be delivered as part of the agreed implementation plan with the operators to commence with the implementation of the outstanding obligations.
He said the department was responsible for ensuring that Government's Programme of Action (POA) was achieved.
"I have committed the department to ensuring that Information and Communication Technologies programmes continue to play a meaningful and pivotal role in support of POA," he said noting that the mobile phones will ensure greater vigilance, efficiency and combat readiness during the tournament.
The phones will be allocated to officials who will be part of the FIFA 2010 World Cup operations.
Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said for the department, it was more than a donation of mobile phones but a motivating factor and a boost in the fight against crime.
"We view this contribution by the Communications Ministry and all stakeholders involved as affirmation that together we can do more to create a safe and secure South Africa.” - BuaNews
