2010 World Cup. Will it change crime in South Africa.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup, will be hosted for the first time on African soil. The opportunities for South Africa and Africa as a whole will be something the continent can tap into. However there are those that are against South Africa's hosting of the prestigious event. They see it as an occasion that will open the worlds eye's to South Africa's crime problems. In fact they urge all other football fans planning to visit the country to watch the beautiful game from their couches at home. It has always been rather frustrating to see such a beautiful country (all other problems aside) faced with an escalating crime problem. Personally - I feel if the crime issue were to be resolved - all other problems the country is facing would be a walk in the park.

Those that say you should not go to the world cup because of this, fail to see how this not only hinders progress for South Africa - but also does not solve the issue. If indeed the crime problem is so bad that there is a general awareness by the rest of the world as to their safety when visiting the country - this can only urge those in power to have a serious look at the issue.


The problem in the country is that such things are only dealt with seriously when the government starts to loss revenue. When the power cuts in the country caused not only private but government organizations to loss profits - the matter was looked at as a matter of urgency. Sure its not perfect now - but its a lot better than having no electricity for months on end.

The problem regarding the crime issue is that those in power feel they should not be touched by the long arm of the law. South Africa's number one crime busting organization - The Scorpions - have been eliminated.

Another problem that many don't realize is that the very law enforcement organization that is supposed to be making an effort in changing this - is not only incapable to address the issue - but more importantly have not been given that sense of pride that would drive one that is a policeman or woman to wake up in the morning and say - " I'm proud to be a policeman, and I love my job"

If you look at the kind of money being spent to curb crime - most of it goes to things like weaponry, vehicles and so on. You are not going to find a matriculant who has passed his matric - saying - " I'm going to be a cop" - bullshit!!. Most cops in the country get into an easy to enter government agency ( since nobody wants to face the kind of crime in the country on a daily basis) that doesn't pay so well - but at least pays. All credit to those men and women that did become law enforcement agents to make a difference. You would think they would maybe pay people more because of the risks involved in becoming a policeman to maybe attract more people into it, and finally solve the manpower issue's. In fact the private security business's (they have their problems too) seem not ony better paid but well trained than the police! The whole image of the police services needs to be changed. Even if it means new uniforms - something that will make them proud to stand out there and say - I worked hard to earn this. These are some of the kind of changes that may occur either after - or God willing - before thousands of fans hit the shores of beautiful South Africa.

So the 2010 World Cup is not only going to bring much needed investment to the country - but a serious look at the crime issue. As to whether this will occur or not - you never know with the leadership running the country. It's a shame though that such a pressing issue that touches people in all walks of life in South Africa is only addressed when something like an international event is hosted in the country.

So for all those that have been looking at the coin from the other side - this should give you another angle to see it from. Obviously Rome was not built in one day - and maybe once the world cup comes to an end such a priority will be dropped by our brilliant politicians - but the gears of justice may have been oiled just a little bit more after this. Then who knows we may end up living in a country thats truly free.