The South African government on Wednesday acknowledged that it has a major problem in tackling the country’s crime rate ahead of hosting the next Soccer World Cup in 2010.
Patrick Matlou, deputy head of the national Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, told lawmakers during a briefing on preparations for the tournament that a detailed survey of crime-fighting technology is already under way in a bid to allay fears.
”As South Africa, we recognise this is a major problem … both at a perception level and at a reality level,” said Matlou. ”The challenge … is to ensure that we overcome these issues, both at a marketing level and by ensuring that people are safe, feel safe, when they come here.”
National crime statistics show that nearly 19 000 murders were reported in the country of 47-million over 2004/05, a 5,2% drop from 2003/04.
South Africa has one of the highest rape statistics worldwide — more than 55 000 cases were reported by police last year.
Matlou said a national anti-crime plan is being fine-tuned for 2010 and an analysis being done on surveillance technology and other crime-fighting actions that are needed to make the country safe.
”We have a plan and that plan will ensure a safe and secure, world-class event,” local organising committee chief Danny Jordaan said. He pointed out South Africa’s successful hosting of the rugby and cricket World Cups and major international conferences.
Police spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo said regular planning meetings are being held to prepare for 2010. This included securing events running parallel to the World Cup as well as well-known tourist sites.
Police sent senior officers to Germany to learn about that country’s security arrangements for the 2006 Soccer World Cup.
”We are confident we will be ready for 2010; in fact, we are ready right now in terms of our security planning,” Naidoo said.
The South African Police Service is recruiting about 11 000 new members a year — a total of 55 000 by 2009, he added.
Other challenges for the government in preparation for 2010 included a shortfall of accommodation; increased pressure on infrastructure, energy and water resources; South Africa’s perceived status as an expensive tourism destination; and public transport safety and availability, said Matlou.
Among possible solutions, he cited the building of ”temporary hotels”, making available special low-budget tourist packages for the duration of the tournament, and introducing more low-cost airlines into the market.
Steps are under way to ease visa requirements between South Africa and its neighbours in the Southern African Development Community in time for the World Cup, said Matlou.
President Thabo Mbeki has expressed his irritation at media reports that have questioned the safety of South Africa as a World Cup venue.
Matlou told MPs that about 445 000 foreign tourists are expected to flock to the country for the tournament — the first time that it will be staged in Africa. Total revenue is expected to top R11-billion, he added. — Sapa-AFP