By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – Lindelwa ‘Malindi’ Dlamini was among the speakers at a two-day multisectoral workshop aimed at enhancing the security of major sporting events across the continent, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The workshop took place in Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday and Wednesday (December 4 and 5, 2024). Dlamini serves as the Senior Sports Officer for Sports for Development at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) based in Cameroon.
Among the anticipated outcomes of the workshop are improved knowledge, enhanced inter-agency cooperation, increased awareness of integrating sport into national Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) action plans, and improved safety, security, and service for major sporting events. Another significant outcome is the preparation of an action plan for ongoing engagement towards co-hosting AFCON 2027, alongside strengthened security governance and the utilisation of sport to promote social cohesion and resilience against violent extremism.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, while Morocco is set to host the 2025 edition and Eswatini through the National team, Sihlangu is expected to play in the qualifiers to be held in 2025 and 2026.
The Government of Kenya, through the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), partnered with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) under its Global Programme on the Security of Major Sporting Events and the use of sport values to prevent violence. These partnerships focus on sharing best practices and identifying areas for improvement in the security and management of high-profile sports gatherings.
According to a statement form the Kenya Government, Kenya prepares to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, there is an increasing need for enhanced collaboration and capacity building among local stakeholders, security experts, and international partners.
The workshop laid the groundwork for cooperative efforts, ensuring that a comprehensive and multi-agency approach to security and PCVE is integrated into the preparation, planning, and delivery of the 2027 AFCON.
Dlamini could not be reached for a comment.
