Drakensberg set for Mbeki visit

2003-12-30 21:07

Deon Lamprecht

Port-au-Prince - Haitians are not quite sure how to react to South Africa's SAS Drakensberg, which is anchored in their harbour, as the last time they saw a foreign battleship was during the United States invasion of their island.

Supporters of Haiti's opposition see the Drakensberg, the jewel in the South African naval crown, as a deadly machine.

Rumours are doing the rounds that fully-loaded, missile-carrying helicopters are sweeping low over the city and that foreign camouflaged soldiers have converged on the streets of Gonaives, ahead of President Thabo Mbeki's visit on Thursday.

He is due to take part in Haiti's independence day festivities.

The Drakensberg's deployment to Haiti is to provide logistical support to Mbeki and his party during their visit. It is also there in case Mbeki needs a safe haven if domestic violence breaks out.

Four ambulances at the ready

No chances have been taken and the Drakensberg itself has been cordoned off with security wire and two armed officers constantly guard Mbeki's Mercedes.

Four ambulances and three trucks with logistical and medical equipment have already been offloaded.

Lieutenant-commander Prince Shabalala, the ship's media officer, said: "We are here to help the people of Haiti celebrate their independence," adding that the ship's crew had been given a warm welcome when they arrived.

Shabalala said Haiti's security situation was assessed regularly and crew were allowed to disembark only in escorted groups.

The ship, which has a crew of 250, has 51 members of the police's special task force as well as 18 members of the national intelligence agency aboard.

Apart from the air force's Oryx helicopter, there also is a police one on board.

The Drakensberg is expected to leave harbour on Thursday and anchor offshore during Mbeki's visit to the unstable Gonaives district. Mbeki will be flown to Gonaives by helicopter.

- Beeld