SA 'vulnerable to terrorism'

2005-07-12 10:32

Delia du Toit

Pretoria - "We must do everything in our power to fight terrorism. It is clear from the attacks on London that public transport is always a target for acts of terror."

This is what Transport Minister Jeff Radebe had to say at the opening of the annual transport conference in Pretoria on Monday.

"The South African public transport system is just as vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Unfortunately, the attacks on the London transport system were not the first time and will not be the last time that such a system becomes the target of terrorists."

Radebe said there was no cause for concern about the South African transport system, but vigilance (regarding security issues) remained important.

"Although changes are necessary in the airline and airport safety systems, there are continual improvements in this field."

Another important target for the transport system is to prevent the spread of disease through transport systems, particularly with the World Cup Soccer tournament in 2010 coming up.

- Beeld