What you need to know about 15th BRICS summit in Sandton
BRICS is a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa formed by the 2010 addition of South Africa to the predecessor, BRIC.
Residents in Sandton CBD and the surrounding area are urged to be aware that the Sandton Convention Centre is one of the appointed venues that will be hosting the 15th BRICS Summit from August 22 to 24.
The BRICS summit is an international relations conference attended by the heads of state or government of the five member states: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. All leaders will be present except President Putin who will participate in the discussion virtually.
There will also be other invited heads of state from Africa in attendance.
According to Sandton precinct manager Elaine Jack, there is no need to apply for any special permits to access the precinct during BRICS, but there will be a high level of police presence starting on August 20 as the delegates start arriving.
“Many of the hotels in Sandton will be booked for BRICS delegates,” she said.
Jack added that the roads surrounding the Sandton Convention Centre, such as Maude, West, Alice, and Fifth, will be partially closed.
“Maude Street between West and Fifth Street will be made one-way only to allow access for Michelangelo Towers, Nelson Mandela Square patrons and 2 Maude Street. For West, Alice, and Fifth, all lanes closest to the SCC will be closed for BRICS, and the lanes on the opposite side will be made dual carriage to allow for traffic flow in both directions.”
She highlighted that there are no other road closures that she is aware of within the precinct at this stage. Should there be a change she will advise, as they will receive more information from SAPS and JMPD.
“There is also a search-and-go area to be set up at George Lea Park, corner William Nicol and Sandton Drive – SAPS is using it as a checkpoint for security. The precinct will continue to communicate to the community if anything changes and will also be supporting SAPS on the surveillance with our precinct cameras and precinct team on the ground.”
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/207269/tweets-protesters-gather-sandton-gautrain-station-ahead-bricssummit-video/
