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How the hell can the World Cup be safely held in South Africa?

I am South African, but I now live in Australia, and I am shocked at how South Africa won the big to host the World Cup. Let's be straight, South Africa in general is a very dangerous place to live, particularly Johannesburg and Gauteng. Even people who have lived there all their life are apprehensive when going out, even during the day. So, to host an international event in South Africa, in which 1000s of foreigners, many of who have no experience of South Africa and its problems going to the World Cup seems ridiculous. What makes it worse is, most of these people will not have a car or any other form of personal transport and will have to walk on foot, or use public transport. I really don't see how South Africa is going to pull this one off, the country is as dangerous as its ever been and visitors are going to be at high risk of getting mugged, beaten up, or, heaven forbid, even killed. The South African government are promising safety, but I don't see how they're going to make the country secure by 2010. The stadiums are in all the dangerous urban areas where most violence occurs to start with! It's madness. The only way I can see they're going to be able to control it is have 100s/1000s of police officers patrolling the streets armed to the teeth with machine guns, electric batons, etc, but how much is that going to cost? Also, such an omnipresent atmosphere will make it very uneasy for visitors.

Public Comments

1. i'm not South African nor have i ever been there, but i looked around regarding everything, found this video: http://www.shine2010.co.za/wots.php?article_id=244 extreme measures are taken over security, the official says the police and security forces in SA are ready even if the WC was this year
2. I am a South African living in Johannesburg. Yes we have crime possibly more than elsewhere in the world but I do not feel unsafe going out during the day or even night time. Take some time to read this article published in the UK. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/jeremy_clarkson/article5821586.ece This comment was made by a British citizen who is living in South Africa – I'm originally from Middlesbrough and I've been living in Johannesburg since 2004. It's a lovely and friendly city. I've been to far worse area's in the UK than Jo'burg. South Africans should appreciate their beautiful city! South Africans need to stand together and believe in themselves and the country. If we carry on with distrust in each other, then things will not improve.
3. Well, we know it will not be held without any crime incidents, like any other world cup in the past. Sure, crime is currently relatively high and their are criminal elements and crime syndicates that will try and exploit this occasion but one must remember that South Africa does not operate in isolation when organizing a world cup, inclusive of safety of players and fans.Fifa, have standards, expectations and require detailed plans for all aspects of the world cup. They furthermore have experience and expertise that will assist in safety planning and execution. South Africa have hosted both a rugby and cricket world cup and according to most quite successfully, sure, the soccer world cup is on a far larger scale, but we certainly have some experience on our side relative to safety and security. Obviously there are plans to increase police visibility but prevention is better than cure, and of course crime is not the only factor, unruly and violent fans as we have seen at past world cups also need to be policed. There is some justification in your concerns, but I am more optimistic than pessimistic that we will host the event successfully and minimize criminal activity, lets hope for the best.
4. this is just the sort of drivel that we have come to expect from the packed for perth mob.sour grapes methinks.
5. Fine then don't come. cheers
6. You've obviously been out of SA for far too long to have a clue of what it is like now. If SA's cities are so utterly dangerous, how come millions of people still live in them?
7. As a South African who STILL lives here, there is no doubt in my mind that South Africa will host one of the best if not the best World Cups ever. There is Crime all over the world, yes in SA it might be higher, but as a country, we all working together to ensure that those who travel here will be safe, and will have a memorable time in our land and would possibly visit again. Honestly, you not here, so you not aware of the transition that is taking place in terms of public transport, safety and infrastructure. Its ok if you not here to witness the spectacular event, but I as well as FIFA are confident that 2010 South Africa will be a success. The stadiums are not in bad areas, and there is a lot happening here. The stadiums look amazing and Germany's 2006 committee are pleased and too are confident that WC 2010 will be a success. No offense dude, but your negativity about SA is ridiculous. Finally you will always be South African no matter where in the world you may be. You will be one of the many people that will be proven wrong when South Africa shines in 2010.
8. Sorry man I disagree, the government is actually doing something for a change and its actually not that bad here!!!!! This is going to be the best world cup ever!!!!! Why would you think it not possible when rugby and cricket world cups have been safely hosted here?????
9. This was said about Germany, the skin heads are dangerous and foreigners should beware but all went well.I was in Japan and it was real cool and safe. I am not preaching that it will be 100% crime free but if you come in a tour and hang out to together and go to the recommended places I am sure we all will be smiling after 2010 World cup. This is not for South Africa but for the people of Africa and sports lovers.
10. That is a major concern, but the big question in my mind is ... will SA even qualify
11. i`m sure we`ll win the world cup and i`m not missing it for the world mandela is looking forward to 2010 i`m looking forward 2010 SOUTH AFRICA is looking forward to 2010 the whole world is looking forward to the world cup i mean we made renovations to roads,hotels,stadiums 4 the world cup but i am concern about the safety/crime rate is really up well for other poeple my boys are thugs so i`m safe any way i`m sure thy`ll try and make the security system more thight and safer HELL TO THE WORLD CUP VIVA FIFA
12. So let me get this right, you don't think that third world countries should be allowed to host any events because they are not on par with first world countries? America, Australia, France and so on is always going to be safer, bigger and better, so the rest of the world should just sit back, shut up, and be satisfied with the scraps handed to them? I hope you stay home and don't even bother watching the soccer, we don't need your support you arrogant prick.