SOUTH Africa’s Charges d’Affaires to Jamaica, Peter Makwarela, says hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup is an opportunity to better the race relations and unite national pride in his country.

Known as the ‘Rainbow Nation’ South Africa is said to have the largest population of people of European ancestry in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as a significant Asian population in addition to its indigenous peoples. There are 11 official languages including English, Zulu, and Afrikaans.

Since 1995 the country, on the southern tip of the African continent, has hosted nine international sporting events, starting with the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

“South Africa will again deliver a world-class event that will forever change the perceptions of the international community, and also ensure a lasting legacy for the people of Africa,” Makwarela said.

He told the Observer that despite nay-sayers and the “pronouncements of doubts (and) scary ideas” in the six years since South Africa had won the right to host the tournament, the determination of his country and people was never dampened.

“We are very excited… today there is a 2010 FIFA World Cup fever in South Africa,” he said.

Makwarela anticipates an influx of tourists over the next month: “We expect the country to be flooded,” he said.

The South African government is helping to facilitate the flow of tourists by providing “Event Visas” for visitors who would normally require entry visas.

“We believe that many people all over the world would not only use the opportunity to see the 2010 FIFA World Cup games, but to also visit our tourist points, and expose themselves to the culture, hospitality of South Africans and the ‘BIG FIVE’ animals,” he told the Observer.

Incidentally, Jamaicans do not need visas to travel to South Africa. Makwarela intimated that Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz would be missed from the 32 team tournament.

“South Africa would have liked to see the Reggae Boyz doing their thing at our improved and new stadiums,” he said. “We have a high regard for the Reggae Boyz.”

While South Africa has the second highest per-capita murder rate in the world, Makwarela was not trying to brush the figures under the rug.

“There are 54 special courts set up around the country to handle World Cup-related cases speedily. The courts are ready, a large number of acting magistrates were appointed this week, and practice runs have taken place at these courts.”

He also quoted the South African Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel: “Any hooligans or criminals who try their luck during the World Cup will also feel something — the red card of the law.”

The courts will operate on a shift system over 12 hours per day during the World Cup.

In the meantime, the South African High Commission will open a South African Village at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston this Thursday, where there will be an exhibition, to an extent, of the African culture. The hotel will also, on certain days, serve South African dishes.

For those who “It’s possible” to make the journey for the World Cup, Makwarela said all South Africans will be ready to welcome them in style.

“(They) all understand that the success of the games will go a long way towards ensuring that our developmental objectives become a reality and attract investment to the country.”