Vuvuzela not for war: Minister
2010-02-09 22:28
Cape Town - Foreign football fans can rest assured that the vuvuzela is not an instrument of war, Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa said on Tuesday.
He told a media briefing at Cape Town International Airport that in the run-up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the police had been taking tips from overseas security agencies on cultural issues.
Europeans were "sensitive" when it came to vuvuzelas, he said.
"It’s our noise, it’s part of us, it’s an expression of appreciation. It’s an instrument of jubilation. So if somebody does not understand that, there may be a problem.”
Horns of jubilation
"If you pick up a vuvuzela and you start making a lot of noise, you have heard what has been the response from Europe.”
"Our response is that no, you don’t have to worry, it’s not horns for war, it’s just horns of jubilation.”
"These people are happy, they are in a jovial mood. And that’s why they are using these. It takes an African, a South African, to understand that."
By the same token, there might be particular actions from European or Asian fans that were not threatening, but that might be interpreted wrongly by Africans.
The vuvuzela, a plastic trumpet that produces a loud bray, is commonly used by fans at soccer matches in South Africa.
FIFA has said it will allow the devices in stadiums in the coming tournament, despite reservations from some foreign players.
- SAPA