Big, bold bash a logistical challenge for South Africa summit

Johannesburg, 22 March 2002 - Eyes of the world will be watching as Sandton hosts World Summit on Sustainable Development

IF ANYTHING the World Summit on Sustainable Development is going to be big and bold. But with that comes a big bill and disruption to travel around Sandton, Johannesburg, and indeed the entire country. It is also a test for the SA government and the private sector to manage a complex event before the eyes of the world.

In total up to 80000 people made up of delegates, media, representatives of nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and various hangers-on could be in town for the biggest United Nations (UN) bash of its kind. That number is far lower than the 450000 expected to attend the Olympics. But management of the event could be more intricate because of the larger number of people who must be given accreditation. And with 193 heads of state invited, security will have to be very tight.

The summit comes with a price tag of R520m, which is equivalent to about 7% of the government health budget for the next fiscal year. But corporate funding is helping defray a portion of the costs. Anglo American, MTN and Standard Bank have already put in R5m apiece with professional fund raisers hoping to bring in about R100m. Accountants at KPMG have calculated that it is all worthwhile in terms of a positive contribution to the economy, with VAT revenue alone expected to exceed the amount government spends.

The problem for planners is not simply the UN meeting on its own, but what is going to be a multiple-ringed circus consisting of many different events:

The summit itself will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from August 26 to September 4. The heads of state of all UN member countries have been invited, but there will also be ministers, delegates from NGOs, and media. At the moment the organisers expect heads of state from about 100 countries to attend. The Johannesburg World Summit Company, JOWSCO, a nonprofit entity established by government, is responsible for logistics and overall coordination.

NGOs, called "civil society" in UN parlance, will hold a Global Forum at the National Exhibition Centre from August 16 to August 21. Official estimates for attendance are 40000, but the number could be as high as 70000 say organisers. The recent suspension of the Civil Society secretariat's CE, Jacqui Brown, following allegations of financial mismanagement, has cast doubt on the level of preparedness. So far the organisers have raised only about 25% of the R340m required to stage the event.

Business Action for Sustainable Development, an association linked to the International Chamber of Commerce, will hold its meetings during the summit at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton. Between 800 and 1000 prominent business leaders are expected at the meeting.

The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, an environmental agency for local governments, will hold a conference at the Sandton Crowne Plaza on implementing sustainable development projects. Between 500 and 800 representatives are expected to attend.

The Wanderers Club will play host to the Ubuntu Village, which will feature an exhibition of environmental best practice, an arts and crafts display, and a SA pavilion under the world's largest freestanding temporary structure. Wanderers will also serve as the transport hub and media centre for the summit. A speakers' corner allowing protestors to have their say is also planned.

Apart from the "big four" events, there could be as many as three "side events" each day. Some of those planned so far include events held by women's groups, indigenous people and the poor.

And then there could be protests, and lots of them. The police are to be given training in how to more effectively handle these. But at this stage it is unlikely to be anything on the scale of Seattle, say organisers. The hope is that protestors will dissipate any wrath they have on finance ministers at this week's UN Financing for Development Conference in Mexico. Moreover, as NGOs will have ample chance to get their views across in Johannesburg, there is a strong chance of greater calm. So far, there are plans to close only one road Maude Street during the summit. And to ease traffic congestion, the education department has scheduled the school holidays from August 23 to September 8. According to JOWSCO, traffic levels are 40% below normal levels during school holidays. The R64m upgrade of the arterial roads leading into the Sandton area should also help.

In addition, JOWSCO hopes that traffic will be reduced by having most heads of state stay at hotels that are within walking distance of the Sandton Convention Centre. All heads of state will be at hotels within 5km of the site, which should further reduce traffic problems.

Moss Mashishi, the CEO of JOWSCO, says the greatest difficulty lies in ensuring co-ordination between transport, accommodation, security and a multitude of other elements. It also needs to manage multiple suppliers from the private sector. JOWSCO has a staff of 65 and has already established a nerve centre for the event.

Moss Mashishi, the CEO of JOWSCO, says the greatest difficulty lies in ensuring co-ordination between transport, accommodation, security and a multitude of other elements. It also needs to manage multiple suppliers from the private sector. JOWSCO has a staff of 65 and has already established a nerve centre for the event.