ed sheeran

Ed Sheeran in concert. Photo: The Mega Agency Mega/RealTime Images

Ed Sheeran in Joburg: Safety takes top priority

Ed Sheeran is in South Africa and concert organisers have taken extra steps to ensure everyone’s safety after the crime surge that plagued the Global Citizen Festival.

ed sheeran

Ed Sheeran in concert. Photo: The Mega Agency Mega/RealTime Images

As concertgoers get ready to watch one of the music industry’s most popular artists, Ed Sheeran, FNB Stadium is tightening up security to ensure a safe experience for fans this weekend.

After the furore around the Global Citizen concerts, where muggings and attacks were reported post-event, organisers have implemented several strategies to their security plans.

There will be at least 1 156 security officers within the stadium perimeter and more outside the stadium. Police visibility will improve along with better signage and lighting.

Telkom has also been brought on board in efforts to improve network connectivity.

Organisers have urged concertgoers to use public transportation where possible. Uber and concert organisers were also in talks on Tuesday with regards to its e-hailing service which could work better to provide transport to concertgoers.

“We’ve consolidated the e-hailing into a new, more safe, protected and controlled area with additional security and fencing at the transport hub,” said Van Wyk.

And if you are driving?

“People should avoid parking where ‘illegal’ car guards would be directing them, as that may lead to vulnerability and allow theft,” said Big Concerts CEO Justin van Wyk who addressed the media at FNB Stadium on Tuesday. There will also be designated parking spots for those who buy tickets. 

According to Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Wayne Minnaar, the SAPS will dispatch its Flying Squad and the K9 Unit to the area and tactical response team will be deployed as well. 

The City of Johannesburg has voiced its support for the plan but is wary of how load shedding will affect the event. According to the City’s head of communications Nthatisi Modingoane,  they have been “in talks with City Power to try to ensure that the supply of power was continuous over the course of the weekend.”

Organisers are confident they have learnt from previous experience and are ready to host this event successfully.