Some statistics are enough to undermine a reputation. Like that of South Africa, long considered to be one of the most violent countries in the world, and which obviously suffers from the 51 murders, 39 carjackings and 100 rapes counted on average every day.1 However, according to the experts, these figures should be taken with a certain amount of hindsight. "In most malicious acts, the victim knows the assailant. As for robberies, they take place in areas and at times that tourists can and should avoid," says Giovanni Pisapia, Fifa 2010 Project Manager with the Johannesburg police.
A state-of-the-art arsenal
In his opinion, a few precautions and a little common sense are enough to prevent trouble. But with the World Cup approaching, a reinforced and highly sophisticated security system will be put in place. No stone will be left unturned to ensure the safety of the country and the millions of fans who will be flocking to the stadium. Since the announcement of its nomination in 2006, South Africa has collaborated with international agencies to accumulate as much security knowledge as possible. It has also acquired a state-of-the-art arsenal. In all, 665 million rand (66.5 million euros) will have been spent on helicopters and specialised aircraft, water cannons, BMWs for patrolling the highways, bulletproof vests, mobile cameras, etc. Investments that will continue to support the police in their anti-crime activities, long after the football craze has faded from view.
For the business traveller, the real question is less about the sporting events and more about the "post-World Cup" period: whether the prospect of a peaceful stay in the country's economic capital, reputed to be the most dangerous city in South Africa, is realistic. At the moment, everything suggests that it is. Particularly the word "legacy", which can be heard everywhere from Sandton to Rosebank, Johannesburg's business districts. Because this World Cup 'legacy' seems to involve not only hotel, sports and airport infrastructures, but also security. For example, "the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, or JMPD, has just been trained by the German police, the South African police and the FBI at its Training Academy base in Botswana", explains Wayne Minnar, spokesman for the JMPD. There's no doubt that this kind of training falls into the "legacy" category. Like the 231 cameras that will be installed at strategic points in the city for permanent surveillance, and which will remain in place. "We believe that the crime rate will fall," continues Wayne Minnar, adding that such a deployment of combined strategies is bound to have an impact on the urban climate.
For his part, Mike Smith, Chief Superintendent of the JMPD, explains: "While certain one-off measures will be put in place during matches (multilingual hotline for police or medical assistance, 24-hour court service, deployment of foreign police officers around Soccer City and the stadiums), others will be permanent".
Legacy transport network
Bus and taxi drivers are receiving ongoing training to improve their customer service and ensure maximum safety. In addition, official taxis will be given a logo that will make them easily distinguishable. "Transport is an important aspect of safety, because Johannesburg is atypical in this respect," explains Yolisa Mashilwane, Director of Management Support for the city's transport department. Until now, the megalopolis has had no reliable transport system, so the brand new Bus Rapid Transit System is a revolution. Although part of the network will be in service before the first fans arrive, in all, some 122 kilometres of main lines and 150 stations should link the most remote districts to the city centre by 2013. "This system set up for the World Cup will be one of the legacies of 2010 and will help to improve the quality of life in Johannesburg in general," says Yolisa Mashilwane. Good news.
