MEC for Gauteng Department of Local Government and Housing, Ntombi Mekgwe, gave words of motivation to the Gauteng Special Operations Team today at Northview Fire Station, Balfourpark in the City of Johannesburg. The team, comprised of emergency officials from City of Joburg, City of Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and West Rand municipalities, will deal with disaster management for the Orange AFCON tournament.

The Gauteng Special Operations Response Team is developed to provide a group of highly qualified specialists readily available for rapid assembly and deployment to a disaster area. This team has also been invited to assist Mpumalanga government should the need arise in Mbombela stadium.

MEC Mekgwe said she is confident that the team is ready and geared up for any disasters that might strike the province during the AFCON tournament. "This is a team that has seen us through the disasters we encountered in the past, not only in our province but neighboring provinces and countries as well", MEC said adding that she can confidently say that Gauteng residents are in safe hands.

Mekgwe said: "we had a successful opening of the tournament and we should continue to provide the best service and be available to assist other disaster-struck areas as and when the need arises.

"Go out there, make our province safe and make us proud", MEC encouraged the team.