'Vuvuzelas not instruments of war'
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 as the Soccer World Cup drew nearer, 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, its part of us, it’s an expression of appreciation. It’s an instrument of jubilation.
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not understand that, there may be a problem.
“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
