MINISTER OF SAFETY AND SECURITY INTERESTED IN MORE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 PRETORIA 004993 SIPDIS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED SIPDIS GABORONE FOR ILEA DEPARTMENT FOR INL/AAE:ERICHARDS; FKENNEDY DS/IP/AF:KBARRY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID KJUS PHUM PREL ASEC SF SUBJECT: MINISTER OF SAFETY AND SECURITY INTERESTED IN MORE U.S. TRAINING FOR POLICE REF: PRETORIA 4817 ¶1. (U) Summary. Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula was interested in more U.S. training opportunities for the South African Police Service (SAPS) and was surprised to hear that SAPS had refused previous offers for training by the U.S. Nqakula, who commented that U.S. assistance had been vital in providing much-needed training of law enforcement officials, promised Ambassador Bost that he would look into this issue. The Ambassador, during his initial welcome call with Nqakula on November 27, expressed the importance of continued efforts by all parties to address the high crime rate in South Africa, the negative impact the perception of crime has on foreign investors and potential investment, as well as the diplomatic community, and urged South Africa to take advantage of U.S. training programs on security related matters. Whether Nqakula, who showed interest in improving the number of trained officers, especially at the management level, can convince SAPS of the potential benefits of this training remains to be seen. End Summary. -------------- TRAINING NEEDED TO REDUCE HIGH CRIME RATE -------------- ¶2. (U) The Ambassador paid a courtesy call on Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula on November 27. The Ambassador was accompanied by RSO and econoff (notetaker) and Nqakula was accompanied by his Chief of Staff and Special Advisor. ¶3. (U) The Ambassador initiated the meeting by explaining the U.S.' interest in continuing its efforts to assist South Africa to address its crime problems. He noted that, while South Africa is a wonderful country, its incredible potential is slipping away because the high crime rate eventually will compromise foreign investment, as well as 2010 World Cup tourism. The Ambassador stated that U.S. companies play a large part in the business community with over 600 U.S. companies in South Africa that have provided seven to eight billion USD in economic activity over the last few years. These investors are worried about their safety and well being. The Ambassador pointed out that potential foreign investors are hesitant to invest due to the perception of high crime in the country. The Ambassador cited the benefits investors provide including hiring of local staff, providing salaries that allow employees to send children to school, and preventing potential crime through employment. ¶4. (U) The Ambassador also stated that one of his primary concerns and responsibilities is for individual safety, for both Americans and South Africans. He cited the recent robberies at the Bangladesh Chancery and Ambassador's residence to highlight the crime rate. In discussing the 2010 World Cup, the Ambassador stated that this was a perfect opportunity to showcase the beauty and potential of South Africa, but asked what tourists would be willing to vacation in a country where the threat of injury or theft was so high? The Ambassador stressed that these issues needed to be resolved, and reiterated that the U.S. was willing to be a partner. ¶5. (U) Minister Nqakula acknowledged prior U.S. assistance and stated that he was now looking to a better horizon given assistance from other countries, including the U.S., and the better trained personnel now playing a role in law enforcement. Nqakula stated that the Ambassador's comments reflected the consistency of the U.S. government's eagerness to resolve problems and assist young democracies. He commented that the U.S. was one of the first countries to open itself to the post-apartheid government and he was appreciative of the U.S.' attempt to share the idea of freedom with the leadership of new democracies. ¶6. (U) Nqakula confirmed that the biggest problems facing the South African democracy were the elements of safety and security. He further stated that there were "tremendous difficulties and challenges" with lack of resources, especially a scarcity of trained officials, who could act as managers. Nqakula explained that the main weakness was a lack of training to ensure a change in the mindset from the old force to a new one. Nqakula explained that the police force is not able to just rely on an abundance of people or PRETORIA 00004993 002 OF 002 "warm bodies", but it also needs skilled managers as station commanders, who can control their people and supplies. According to Nqakula, the key is training. He commented that U.S. assistance had been vital in providing much-needed training of law enforcement officials. -------------- IS SOUTH AFRICA INTERESTED IN TRAINING? -------------- ¶7. (U) In response to Nqakula's statements, the Ambassador and RSO inquired as to the reasons the South African Police Service (SAPS) had repeatedly failed to accept invitations to the U.S.' fully-funded International Law Enforcement Academy held in Botswana. The Ambassador highlighted that this training would be ideal for addressing Nqakula's need for managers. Specifically, it would provide officers with management skills before a large inflow of "rookies" joined the police force in preparation for the 2010 World Cup. Nqakula stated that he had been unaware of this program, as well as SAPS' failure to attend, but promised that he would look into this issue. ¶8. (U) The Ambassador also emphasized that the U.S.' experience with large stadium events could be beneficial for assisting with the 2010 World Cup. He stated that the U.S. was already coordinating a trip for South African law enforcement personnel to receive hands-on training in the U.S. on event planning and security. The Ambassador stressed that as many law enforcement personnel as possible should take advantage of this training offer. Nqakula agreed, thanked the Ambassador for the U.S.' assistance and expressed hope that both he and the Ambassador could pursue continued relations through future meetings. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶9. (SBU) That the Minister was unaware of the training possibilities for SAPS at ILEA Gaborone is not surprising. Indications are that the decision not to participate in ILEA training was taken within the higher echelons of SAPS, not the Ministry. It remains to be seen whether Minister Nqakula will be able to convince these SAPS officials of the potential benefits to SAPS of such training at ILEA Gaborone. Although the U.S. has provided special assistance to SAPS, like the recent ATA training, the Minister is correct that U.S. police mid-management training assistance would be helpful, as can be seen from the training now being provided to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (reftel). BOST