An African FIFA World Cup
We talk to André van de Venter, Counsellor and currently Chargé d’ Affaires of the South African High Commission to find out what the FIFA World CupTM means to South Africa
Background
Q: How did you end up in Malaysia?
A: I began life as a journalist, but my first love was always international politics. I joined the diplomatic service in 1992 with previous postings in Switzerland, Germany and Finland. This is my first posting in Asia.
Q: How long have you been here?
A: Since July 2008, almost two years.
Q: Have you enjoyed it in Malaysia?
A: Very much. Language has been easy, people are warm and welcoming and Malaysia is very strategically located to travel within South-East Asia.
Q: Are you a football/sports fan?
A: I love sports – most South Africans do. Besides football, rugby and cricket are also very popular.
Q: Where are you from and where would you say visitors must go to?
A: I am originally from the Free State Province, but call Pretoria home now because it is the administrative capital. I would say of all the many wonderful places in South Africa, Cape Town is special. South Africa and the FIFA World CupTM
Q: How popular is football in South Africa?
A: Very, it is the biggest sport. It is also a mighty instrument with the ability to unify and bring hope to people. That is the message we want to convey through the FIFA World CupTM. Come to Africa for a wonderful experience. It is going to be a big and fun event.
Q: What does it mean to the people of South Africa to host the FIFA World CupTM?
A: We fully realise that we are representing Africa and that is a great honour. It is a big opportunity to show and inform the world about Africa and to really unite Africa with the world in general.
Q: What kind of reception/atmosphere can we expect?
A: A very noisy one with the vuvuzela – a plastic horn that the fans will be blowing to cheer on their team. It will also be a ve ry colourful FIFA World CupTM with passionate, fanatical fans. We also like to barbeque, so you may find a few outside the stadiums! In general, I think South Africans are warm and friendly and there won’t be a language barrier.
Q: Is South Africa ready – e.g. in terms of infrastructure?
A: Yes, we are ready for the FIFA World CupTM even at this moment. There is nothing that I can pinpoint that requires major attention and there are only minor, last minute preparations to put in place. We are welcoming everyone with open arms!
Q: Do you think safety is a concern?
A: I want to stress the point that South Africa receives about 10 million visitors per year. I don’t think that would be possible if we are not prepared. Extra measures include an extra 40,000 security forces for the FIFA World CupTM. Terrorism preventive measures are in place and a huge effort has been made on stamping out petty, street crime. Hooligans have also been targeted. We also work closely with the police of other nations such as Germany who hosted the last FIFA World CupTM. Of course we can never say there will be no security issues – that is justimpossible. But we have confirmation from our police that the security plans are ready and in place to welcome the estimated 400,000 extra visitors just for the FIFA World CupTM.
The football
Q: What are South Africa’s chances?
A: We have to be realistic and if they get through the first round, we would be very happy. It is a tough group with our three opponents ranked in the top 20 currently and we are the lowest ranked team in the tournament. But “Bafana Bafana” or “The Boys” in English will give it their all and I think we have a good chance of getting through. We are confident especially after our strong performance in last year’s Confederations Cup.
Q: Who are the South African players to watch out for?
A: Players such as Steven Pienaar and striker Benni McCarthy are well known. But other players you may not have heard of that are very good include Teko Modise, Matthew Booth and Aaron Mokoena
Q: Who do you think will win this FIFA World CupTM?
A: If South Africa doesn’t do it, my support is firmly behind the other African teams.
Q: How do you see the future of South African football and sports in general?
A: We have to remember also that it is more than just about football, it is also a method to unify our country. We come from a divided past and just as the Rugby World Cup in 1995 succeeded in bringing the racial groups together and being an example to the rest of the world, we hope to achieve the same from this FIFA World CupTM.
