Mthatha Airport beefs up security for VIPs

2012-07-17 22:36

The VIP protection unit is running security for special flights landing at Mthatha Airport as guests arrive for Nelson Mandela's 94th birthday celebrations. Ex-US president Bill Clinton was the first VIP guest arrived. (File, AP)The VIP protection un

Wallace Du Plessis, News24

Cape Town - The VIP protection unit is running security for special flights landing at Mthatha Airport as guests arrive for former president Nelson Mandela's 94th birthday celebrations in his hometown of Qunu.

Manager Anderson Madudeni said that the airport is dealing with heavier traffic than usual, but could not divulge any more information for security reasons.

He said that the first VIP flight into the airport on Tuesday was that of ex-US president Bill Clinton.

Clinton visited Mandela at his home earlier in the day, and also attended the opening of a container library at the No-Moscow Primary School in Qunu.

His visit was part of a round-trip of the African continent.

It was unclear whether Clinton would be attending the birthday celebrations on Wednesday.

The guest list for the lunch has been closely guarded. Only key employees and local caterers are allowed entry into Mandela's homestead.

Earlier, close friends and family were seen being smuggled into the home by convoys of vehicles while photographers positioned themselves outside the entrance, and attempted to follow exiting vehicles in hopes of confirming whoever had visited Madiba.

- News24