Excited, but just a little nervous about your once-in-a-lifetime trip to The World Cup huh? You've might have heard reports that South Africa can be a dangerous place to travel at best of times, let alone when the crowds swell both in their massive numbers and with national pride - potentially it's a combustible situation.
Let's take a look at the overall safety of the World Cup event and also what you, personally, can do to ensure you have a great time watching The Beautiful Game.
What's being done to ensure my safety during the World Cup?
The Government has assured the millions of fans who will be coming to watch the 2010 World Cup that they will be safe in South Africa. There are a number of prongs to South Africa’s safety and security plan:
- South Africa will be working closely with international agencies to gather intelligence
- There will be a focus on border security at ports of entry – including South Africa’s land, sea and air borders
- Route security, specifically those leading from airports into the cities, will be a priority
- Police are to divide the host cities into sections, with teams patrolling sections and focusing on FIFA headquarters, hotels, other accommodation establishments, the stadiums, fan parks, restaurants and tourist venues
- State-of-the-art information and communication military technology will be used as well as a fleet of nearly 40 helicopters
- A dedicated force of 41 000 officers will be deployed.
Below is a breakdown of how the 41 000 officers are to be deployed:
* Intelligence: 1 000 officers
* VIP protection: 1 000 officers
* Point of entry protection: 500 officers
* Border security: 2 500 officers
* Route and rail security: 1 126 officers
* City of Cape Town security: 15 000 officers
* Reaction force: 2 000 officers
* Plans to address specific threats: 6 256 officers
* Command and control: 850 officers
* Standby group: 960 officers
* Reservists: 10 000 officers
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa
Cape Town Travel
Be a responsible traveller - Tips to avoid street crime
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash, carrying cameras or video cameras in plain sight and leaving belongings unattended.
- Try not to walk alone, and take special precautions at lonely lookout points, especially at dusk or after dark.
- Do not allow strangers to assist you in any way at ATMs.
- 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, donate your change to a registered charity.
- At night, park in a secure, well-lit area.
- Keep photocopies of all valuable documents in a safe place.
How to avoid falling victim to pickpocketing:
- Use a money pouch or waist bag, which can be concealed under clothing.
- Ensure that all bags and wallets are zipped shut or that the clasp is closed.
- Be aware of your possessions at all times. Keep all bags in front of you, where they can be seen. Do not hang them over a shoulder or on your back. Do not leave bags on the floor and do not hang them over a chair.
- Place your wallet in a front trouser pocket - pickpockets generally avoid targeting these pockets.
Mobile telephones are popular with thieves:
- When not using your phone, place it in a handbag or a pocket – keep it out of sight.
- Use the phone's security lock code.
- Don't walk and talk/text - this is an opportunity for a 'snatch and grab' thief.
To report any safety incident, call the following numbers:
- All emergencies from your mobile phone – 112
- All emergencies from a landline – 107
- South African Police Service (SAPS) – 10111
What if I fall ill?
Free primary healthcare (PHC) will be provided for all spectators at official venues, including a script or referral to a health facility if necessary. However, any investigations, procedures or admissions will be paid by the patient.
Dispensing machines will be situated throughout the stadiums for basic drug purchases. Twenty-four-hour pharmacies will be in place for the duration of the event.
According to the FIFA inspection report, South Africa’s health system offers excellent facilities and “There are fully equipped infirmaries with adequate first-aid facilities to meet every need in the stadiums proposed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup."
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa
So you want to cut loose?
While you may want to cut loose and have a celebratory drink, it's worth considering how getting sozzled can quickly escalate a potentially bad situation to an outright dangerous one.
"Don't get drunk with people you don't know," says Graham Kingaby, director/underwriter and WorldNomads.com travel safety guru. "If you do go out partying, stick with your friends. It can be dangerous to go home alone when you don't know the area very well."
Be wary of accepting alcoholic drinks from strangers, as their intentions may not always be noble.
And finally, be aware of how dehydrating alcohol can be and be sure to also drink a lot of water.
Read more stories from WorldNomads.com to help keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.
