New intelligence centre launched to ensure better safety

The police minister has unveiled state-of-the-art data networks and communication systems, audiovisual capabilities, and advanced technical capabilities during the launch of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) Coordination Centre (NCC).

Minister Bheki Cele officially unveiled the new Natjoints NCC on May 24 ahead of the upcoming national elections.

The centre was launched at the Tshwane Police Academy and will serve as a central point of contact for the co-ordination of information.

During his address, Cele explained that incidents will be reported at the centre for a quick response to any and every eventuality that falls under Natjoints’ responsibility.

Cele said establishing a nerve centre of such magnitude to house the Natjoints has been in the works for a long time.

He said the NCC was born from past experiences learned when the government created a coordinated response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As a government, we soon realised the importance of reconfiguring the way we would deal with the challenges of the deadly virus as a collective,” he said.

Cele said the building that houses the NCC was renovated and repurposed to meet all needs and purposes.

He added that the process took four months to complete and that the National Joint Operational Centre (NATJOC) and Natjoc Secretariat will be housed there.

He said meetings of the Natjoints and the Justice Crime Prevention and Security directors-general, as well as the priority committees and work streams established by the Natjoints will take place in the NCC.

“The building layout not only accommodates the NATJOC but also facilities to accommodate one or more Mission Area Joint Operational Centres,” he said.

Cele said the centre has the necessary equipment, machinery, and technological advancements to ensure that all agencies can work smoothly against any threat that may face the country.

“It is fitted with state-of-the-art data networks and communication systems, audiovisual capabilities, and advanced technical capabilities,” he said.

“The centre will ensure that optimal situational awareness is never compromised at all times.”

He stated that the centre will also serve as the epicentre for planning all major events across the country, including the elections on Wednesday.

He said once the centre is fully operational, it will accommodate representatives from 39 government departments, agencies, state-owned enterprises, and private sector stakeholders within the NATJOC.

“Post-election, the NCC will continue to be utilised on a 24/7 and 365 basis as the main centre for inter-departmental and inter-governmental activities and operations,” he said.

The national commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, announced the handing over of vehicles to specialised operations units of the SAPS ahead of the elections in his welcome address.

The units include the tactical response teams, national intervention unit, public order policing unit (POP), the special task force, crime intelligence, and detectives.

A total of 78 vehicles were handed over to the illicit mining task teams known as Operation Vala Umgodi, and the POP units also received 52 minibuses.

Co-chairperson of Natjoints, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, said the centre provides real-time situational awareness of the entire country in terms of safety and security issues and liaison between Natjoints and the Provincial Joint Operation and Intelligence Structure.

“As the Natjoints, we commit to the continuous collaboration and co-operation between department partnerships in ensuring a successful operationalisation of this centre.”

She said the centre is also an operational channel between the national and provincial operational co-ordination centres through:

– Issuing directives
– Monitoring, analysing or implementation
– Assimilating feedback
– Reporting.

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