Jordaan to fight 'negativity'

2004-07-30 09:35

Johannesburg - Negative perceptions are a greater challenge than crime with regards to SA attracting tourists to watch the 2010 Soccer World Cup, World Cup Bid committee CEO Danny Jordaan said on Friday.

Addressing a Business Against Crime (BAC) trustees' breakfast in Johannesburg, Jordaan said these perceptions were the result of crime and because South Africa was the first African country to host the World Cup spectacle.

"We need to address these perceptions in a strategic manner both inside and outside the country," he said.

"The host cities need to formulate a marketing and media document that would give correct and reliable information with regards to the crime in the respective areas."

About 40 000 foreign spectators were expected in the country to watch the World Cup.

Jordaan said a number of European countries had indicated they wanted to speak to security authorities and SA Tourism to ascertain reliable information about South Africa.

"There is interest in Europe to ensure the soccer spectacular becomes a success in Africa," he said.

"It is therefore a challenge for to us maintain this interest and supply the most reliable and relevant information. We must develop a comprehensive message that our country is safe and desirable."

Jordaan said Athens had budgeted about R8bn on safety during the upcoming Olympic games.

"As the major issue in the eyes of tourists, we need to be seen to be allocating almost the same amount towards safety and security in South Africa," he said.

"It is important for business to play an active role in combating crime, making sure that South Africa is a safer place to live, work, play, and do business in."

Jordaan said security and crime were thorny issues the bid committee had to face while lobbying for the country to host the 2010 soccer tournament.

"But through the support of the government, society and business, the country triumphed. There is a need now, more than ever, to vigorously confront and address crime."

BAC chief executive Kenny Fihla said through BAC, businesses had added value in the fight against crime by giving resources, managerial and technological skills, thus enabling BAC to provide high level strategic and operational support in areas of need.

"Business realises that fighting crime cannot be the responsibility of one party only. BAC places emphasis on partnerships with all the interested parties."

- SAPA