subject: Soccer World Cup 2010 - Personal Safety And Security [print this page] A widespread concern for the Soccer World Cup (SWC) 2010 is personal safety and security, including various risks for those who visit South Africa. Some levels of concern are definitely justified, especially if the country's high crime rate levels are taken into account. But, the international hype also seems to be driven by strong negative sentiment and a serious lack of knowledge regarding South Africa's local conditions. The aim of this article is to better inform the SWC 2010 visitor to help him/her to enjoy a safer and much more enjoyable trip to the Rainbow Nation. Do note: while the information in this article is relevant to conditions in South Africa at the time of preparation, actual potential threats to personal safety and security will vary and will be dependent on place, time and individual profile. We definitely recommend that you obtain professional advice should you consider yourself to be at risk. The general SWC 2010 visitor is primarily concerned about the following areas of risk: Crime Terrorism Infrastructure Incidents Natural Disasters & Outages Health Risks
Crime As with any major city in the world, it is imperative that visitors should be aware of high risk or 'No Go' areas where they may be exposed to relatively higher risks than in safer areas. In South Africa, unfortunately, a negative element contributes to the unacceptably high crime levels, which negatively impact the quality of life for all South Africans from all walks of life. Despite the fact that crime levels vary widely between the various parts of cities, it is essential that everyone remains vigilant and informed at all times. The following is a list of simple, practical steps that can contribute to your personal safety and security: When arriving at any one of the airports, only make use of the official, designated porters. It is also not advisable to accept just any informal taxi service offered, but to rather stick with the established, 'more professional' taxi or shuttle services being offered. Avoid carrying large sums of cash, cameras, video cameras or mobile phones in plain sight and do not leave belongings unattended. Do not allow strangers to assist you in any way at Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) or even within banks. Pay attention to the advice of your hosts or locals on where to go after dark. Do not walk alone and take special precautions at lonely lookout points, especially at dusk or after dark. For those who prefer to self-drive: At all times, do not leave any valuables visible in the vehicle; Be vigilant at road intersections and traffic lights and watch out for suspicious characters next to the road; Keep the car windows closed, especially when driving alone in the car; At night, park in a secure, well-lit area. Do not adhere to anyone who tries to stop your vehicle, unless it is a traffic or police official. Rather continue driving to the closest police station, your destination or back to a sufficiently busy public place; Do not pay any bribery money or 'gifts' to any official. If a traffic offence was committed, ask for the detailed, official ticket to be issued, which should include the necessary details of the officer issuing the ticket; Do not drink and drive! Street children and beggars may approach you for a handout. Many social workers counsel against giving money to the children as it usually gets handed over to an older person or is used to purchase drugs. If you wish to do good, rather give food or donate your change to a registered charity. Keep copies of all your important and valuable documents in a safe place.
Report Safety Incidents Report any safety incident at any of the following numbers: 112: All emergencies from your mobile phone 107: All emergencies from a landline Private security firms in your area, for example ADT at 0860 100 911 or +27 (0)11 259-3501 (Head Office) 10111: South African Police Service (SAPS)
Terrorism The realistic threat of terrorist activities unfortunately apply to any prominent event, of which the Soccer World Cup 2010 is one of the biggest in the world. However, Interpol, the South African authorities and related organisations do consider the risk of a terrorist attack during this event to be low. There was a recent indistinct threat by a North African Al Qaeda splinter group to target certain SWC 2010 matches, but the threat lacked credibility and substance. As with all other risks, we strongly advise that the threat levels should be monitored closer to the time of the event.
Infrastructure A big concern for a number of years now is the South African infrastructure limitations. The SWC 2010 event organisers insist that they are comfortable with the infrastructure capabilities, but: Key infrastructure projects will either not be completed or are behind schedule, for example the upgrade projects for a number of the major highways and access roads, as well as the Gautrain project, a high-speed rail connection between focus areas in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Johannesburg's bus rapid transit (BRT) system remains challenged by the taxi sector. Busses need to be protected by police escorts to ensure their safety and general traffic is often disrupted with unlawful taxi behaviour rand activities. Several transport experiments were conducted during the 2009 Confederations Cup, but apparently with limited to no success. General sentiment with regards to the SWC 2010 infrastructure seems to be highly sceptical. We strongly recommend that visitors should take into account that longer travel times may be required to or from any of the SWC 2010 centres, or even popular shopping or entertainment venues.
Incidents According to the authorities there is a reasonable level of risk that the SWC 2010 tournament may be disrupted or impacted by mainly two different sources, namely trade union strikes and 'service delivery protests'. Some of the South African trade unions threatened with strikes and other forms of industrial action prior to or during the SWC 2010 tournament, which may cause significant and wide-spread disruption. It remains highly unlikely that the action would have a direct impact on scheduled matches. It may, however, negatively impact visitors if the transport or hospitality sectors would be impacted. The second risk is in the form of the recent 'service delivery protests' which took place throughout South Africa in the poorer settlement areas. The aim of the mass action was to protest against claimed unsatisfactory basic services. The protests predominantly turned violent, but they were also isolated to the relevant townships. There is therefore no substantial risk to the scheduled SWC 2010 matches. There seems to be an authentic assurance from all South Africa's key role players, including the political players, trade unions and other parties, to deliver a successful SWC 2010 tournament. We do, however, strongly recommend that visitors should obtain up-to-date information on any of the areas that they intend to visit.
Natural Disasters and Outages South Africa offers a moderate climate and has generally experienced very few natural disasters. The country also offers a relatively modern disaster response competence. Apart from any disastrous or extraordinary events, the electricity supply problems that were experienced during 2008 should also be resolved. Each stadium, as well as most hotels, hospitals and other centres, do also have their own back-up electricity supply systems installed.
Health Risks Health risks in South Africa are rated as moderate and can be effectively managed through basic, practical preventative measures. The country's private emergency services and medical facilities are on a par with the best in the world. The standards in the state hospitals are, however, questionable. Food can be bought from any established restaurant, supermarket or food store with absolute minimal risk. Tap water is also safe for consumption in all the major cities. Health facilities and sanitation in the rural areas are not on the same standard as in the cities and do contribute to the majority of the health risks. When in doubt, use bottled water. Various forms of viral or bacterial infections may introduce risk. Since every visitor will share communal tournament and tourism venues, facilities and forms of transport throughout the country with literally tens of thousands of other visitors from many different countries, we strongly recommend that you seek professional medical advice before making the trip to South Africa. It may be required to be receive inoculation(s) against certain flew or other forms of infection. South Africa has one of the highest HIV/AIDS infection rates in the world. We strongly advise that you should only practice safe sex with your partner and avoid any other form of sexual behaviour, including paying for sex.
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