South Africa: Fit Host for the 2010 World Cup

I did not think it will happen in my lifetime, the World Cup being hosted by an African country. But finally Africa will host the World Cup in 2010. South Africa will host the football World Cup in 2010. Critics have been questioning whether South Africa is fit to host the World Cup, pointing to the violence and the HIV rate in the country. The doubt on whether South Africa is fit to host the World Cup stem from ignorant people who misjudge Africa's capabilities.

In an opinion piece titled "South Africa: An Unfit Host for the 2010 World Cup," the author Will Cruickshank quotes Bob Ley as describing South Africa hosting the World Cup as "The biggest risk in the history of international sport."

Cruickshank points out that "The trepidation lies in the widespread mistreatment of women and rampant violence that lurks within its borders. The nation has had a history rife with civil atrocities dating back centuries, and the tradition of violence, notably towards women, continues to thrive today."

In response to a comment that a reader posted "I feel South Africa is ready and capable, having hosted the Rugby World Cup. The U. S is violent but hosted the World Cup, why not South Africa?"

Cruickshank replied: "I think we would both agree that the World Cup will be held on a much higher stage than the Rugby Cup. And I agree, there are certainly violent sections of the U.S. But South Africa is currently first in the world with 31 homicides per 100,000, while the U. S ranks 12th on that same list with 6.5."

Adding that "finally and I think most importantly, I disagree with the principle of rewarding the corrupted government of South Africa, which fails its citizens at every turn, with such a prestigious and lucrative event. Their stance on womens rights is unacceptable and is reflected in the soaring rate of HIV/AIDS within its borders," [sic].

According to an article that appeared on CNN South African President Jacob Zuma acknowledges that South Africa has a high crime rate "but vowed it will be prepared to host the 2010 World Cup. Zuma acknowledged the high numbers, but said the reason people know more details about the crime in South Africa is because we are extraordinarily a transparent country. That's an important point to take."

Zuma "noted that South Africa is not the only country facing high crime. "It is true, also, that the Americans that have a lot of crime and the capital is not running away."He "added that fighting crime is one of his administration's top priorities, and said the nation's leaders "are ready to deal with this matter very seriously; in fact, we have started to do so."

Zuma predicted South Africa will be prepared to host next year's World Cup games. "We're setting up and ready," he said. "There's no doubt about it."

In 1994 the United States hosted the World Cup; there is violence in the United States too. The shooting at West Virginia Tech massacre, the Fort Hood, Texas, are just a few examples. Chicago, a city in the United States is also reportedly violent, yet the city wanted to host the Olympics. CNN on its website that "So far this school year, 36 children and teens have been murdered more than one a week and Pfleger is among a chorus of weary Chicagoans who say the slayings aren't getting the attention they deserve."

There was violence in South Africa, mostly in 2008 which allegedly targeted foreigners. It will be naïve to say that violence does not exist in South Africa, but the other countries that have hosted the World Cup also had violent in their countries. South Africa's security forces are more than capable to deal with the violence should they arise during the World Cup.

As with regard to the HIV/AIDS rate, people are going there to watch football or soccer as it's also called, and not for arranged marriage ceremonies. What's the HIV/AIDS rate has to do with anything?

I agree the rugby World Cup cannot be compared to the soccer World Cup, but having already hosted the African Nations Cup, Rugby World Cup; South Africa has proved that it's more capable than any other county to host the World Cup.

I feel that people that are questioning whether South Africa is ready are racial motivated. Why did they not question whether Asia, Europe, South America is ready to host the World Cup. When the United States hosted the World Cup why was not the violence in the United States brought up?

Most Africans feel that South Africa is ready to host the World Cup.

McDonald R. Tjirare, a student in the United States, said: "I admit, violence is at a high rate and intensity in the Republic of South Africa, but the ministry has devoted time, money and man force to improve their police force."

Tjirare said "Africa has some of the nastiest stereotypes ever. People assume a lot, and are judgmental. Others are jealous and envious too. The list goes on. No everyone wants to see Africa and South Africa to get a chance to prosper, but unfortunately, it is going to happen, so just deal with it like any sportsmen would."

He adds the: "World Cup coming to South Africa is a beautiful experience. Soccer is big in southern Africa, and Africa has talent to show off to the rest of the world. So this is our time to shine as southern Africans. And South Africa as a country has been given a great opportunity to use the world cup to prosper. South Africa has been given a second chance to develop, and I wish it does."

Loide Uushona, a student in Namibia, said: "Yes, I believe they are. They started off at a slow pace with the preparations, but they managed to pick up speed. I won't deny that the increasing crime rate and violence in South Africa is also a concern for me, but several months back, I saw a report on the British police force holding a training program [show] involving the South African Police force on how to deal with violence related to an event of such a nature."

"They have also been receiving a lot of assistance and support from the World Cup committee with the preparations, thus I do not doubt that they are quite ready," she said.

She added by saying because South Africa is an African country, people worldwide even Africans have a negative perspective towards the capabilities of Africans. "Most people believe that Africans are incompetent and thus will not be able to successfully organize and host an event of such magnitude," Uushona said.

"South Africa is ready to host the world cup because it have all the necessary facility and meet all the requirements that the mother body FIFA is asking and it will benefit Africa as a whole; especially in the tourism sector," Jona Shingenge, a Namibian, said.