by Rob Crilly
The Daily Telegraph Friday 26th March 2010
The South African government admitted yesterday that it was worried about violent protests breaking out during this summer's World Cup. The country has been rattled by escalating township protests over the past month, with impoverished communities demanding access to basic services. Recent demonstrations have been marred by shootings, arson and stonings, prompting the government to raise the security levels as the June 11 kick-off nears.
South Africa already suffers from high instances of violence: car-jackings are commonplace and an average of 50 killings are reported each day. "Obviously, we are concerned" said Themba Masek, a government spokesman. "The violent and destructive nature of some of the protests is unacceptable. We do not want to see these demonstrations, especially during the World Cup, when the country's attention and focus should be to host the best tournament ever."
The head of the South African army announced a security shake-up yesterday in the face of escalating violence. Lt Gen Solly Shoke told a press conference in Pretoria that the armed forces would take over responsibility for border patrols on April 1 in order to free police for fighting crime. "We are ready to help where needed with the World Cup" he said. "All army leave has been cancelled over this period. We will be on high alert."
Organisers are expecting 350,000 foreign visitors to attend the four-week football tournament which is being held in Africa for the first time. The economic boost to the South African economy has been revised downwards however, because of slow ticket sales.
Hotels are stepping up security to reassure fans they have little to fear, despite the country's reputation. Private companies are also offering their services to visitors concerned about safety.
Lt Gen Shoke said he did not expect any threat to the tournament "This World Cup is not about security, it's about enjoyment. People must be allowed to come here and enjoy the soccer."
The border patrols are part of South Africa's push to prevent trafficking in drugs or people. The country proposed its first direct legislation to target trafficking last week, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The new law will not be in place before the World Cup but South Africa will train police to use existing legislation to tackle trafficking. Ngaoko Ramtlhodi, the chairman of parliament's justice committee said "Anticipation of an increase in trafficking, especially for sexual purposes, ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, has focussed attention on South African ability to deal with trafficking."