Strict security as SA celebrates New Year's day

South Africans brought the new year in with a bang

Strict security measures will remain in force as South Africans celebrate New Year's day today. Police and traffic officials were out in their numbers last night as people saw in 2008 with carnivals, concerts and private parties.

In the capital Pretoria up to 20 000 people packed Church Square for a New Year music festival and fireworks display.

In Johannesburg hundreds of people participated in a street carnival, which started in Hillbrow and ended in Newtown, where a music concert was held to see in the New Year. Police were out in force to contain rowdy elements.

Thousands line the streets of Cape Town
In Cape Town thousands of people lined the streets last night in support of the Cape Malay minstrels choirs who entertained them with carnival music and dancing. This has become an annual event in the Cape calendar.

The provincial government has also supported the carnival to a tune of R3 million to encourage the cultural significance, dating back to the abolition of slavery in the l8th century. The carnival coincided with the end of 2007 and the dawn of the new year. Some of the people said they hoped that 2008 will be a year of hope, peace and jobs for all.

Meanwhile, in the Northern Cape police say they have experienced the most peaceful New Year's celebrations in years. Hundreds of law enforcement officers were deployed around Kimberley, Galeshewe and Roodepan as part of end of the year crime prevention strategies.

Police spokesperson, Tony Modise, says no serious incidents were reported. Police had identified hot spots in various areas of the city to monitor the celebrations. Special focus went to areas where illegal drag racing usually takes place. Modise says the police are pleased with the way things turned out.

Hundreds residents of Polokwane celebrated the start of the New Year at the Social Club ground next to the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Limpopo. Their 2008 wishes include fighting crime and to live in harmony with each other.