South African president Jacob Zuma has sought to ease the fears of
fans travelling to the World Cup by claiming his nation has
addressed concerns over security.
Zuma was speaking at Wembley Stadium as part of his state
visit to the United Kingdom.
South Africa's high crime rate continues to top the agenda
ahead of the opener between the hosts and Mexico on June 11 but
Zuma is confident supporters will be unharmed.
"It's expected that people will have concerns but we have
worked very hard on the World Cup and that has included the
question of safety," he said.
"Besides the time of the games themselves, the fact is we
have brought down crime already.
"We are therefore very confident on this. And when we say we
are ready now for the World Cup, we include security in that.
"We are ready to protect those who come. If there are those
who are sceptical or feel concern, they must know this matter has
been addressed.
"They will come to South Africa safely and leave safer."
All 10 stadiums that will host matches have virtually been
completed with only two yet to stage games to test out the
facilities.
Concerns existed over South Africa's ability to finish
construction in time but Zuma insisted his nation has completed
their World Cup preparations.
"At the beginning many people said it would be very difficult
for South Africa to host the competition," he said.
"For the last six years we have worked very hard to ensure we
are able to welcome the world to South Africa.
"We can say now without fear of contradiction that we are
ready, if not more than ready, to receive those who come to South
Africa.
"We've finished some of the stadia four months ahead of
schedule. At the beginning people were asking if we'd manage to
finish them.
"We've proved we are ready and we are hosting this on behalf
of Africa."
Zuma was given a presentation on England's campaign to host
the 2018 World Cup by Lord Triesman, the chairman of the Football
Association, but stopped short of officially endorsing their bid.
"We'll leave that decision to the leadership of FIFA.
Wherever the World Cup is, South Africa will be there," said Zuma.
"We bid twice for this. The first time we didn't succeed, the
second time we did.
"I'm sure England can win. The UK is always known to be very
efficient and to present things in a better way.
"We'll be at the 2018 World Cup ready to participate whatever
happens."
