South Africans, Africans across the continent and diaspora, and Africa-lovers are rightfully proud of the first World Cup on African soil. With billions invested in infrastructure and a drastic increase in international airtime, South Africa is presenting a refurbished image as it affirms its presence on the world stage.
However, strikes this week have already brought human rights violations to the public eye. Bus drivers and security guards employed for the tournament protested unfair pay, saying they received only a fraction of agreed upon wages. The government rerouted tourists by train and dispatched police to limit disruption, but the worker’s concerns highlight local frustration at the unequal benefits of the tournament.
The minor uproar over the strikes only scratches the surface of South Africans’ grievances. Throughout months of preparation, human rights activists have voiced concern regarding displacement of undocumented residents and informal vendors as well as disregard for public health risks.
The Western Cape Anti-Eviction Campaign has publicized repeated incidents of displacement and accused the government of hiding the country’s poor, rather than addressing underlying issues of poverty and inequality. “Temporary” housing facilities, which often become long-term homes, overflow with new residents the government cleared from visible streets. In Delft township, Cape Town, residents complain of poor hygiene and overcrowding, calling their temporary relocation structure “Blikkiesdorp” which translates to “Tin Can Town” in Afrikaans.
Fan parks have been constructed for visitors to watch live video of matches. But to make space for the official screenings, informal traders have been pushed out. Entrepreneurs stocked up on paraphernalia hoping to profit from the tourism influx, only to be forced to leave central areas, hindering efforts to support themselves and their families. Official international contractors and vendors have taken their place, ensuring multi-national companies benefit while locals struggle to make ends meet.
Finally, Public health advocates, including numerous NGOs and the South African National AIDS Council hoped to partner with FIFA to provide HIV prevention information and supplies. Yet FIFA refused repeated requests to coordinate with their efforts, and there are no officially sanctioned condom distribution points (which activists contrast with numerous alcohol dispensaries). Large tourist gatherings have historically been linked with increases in sex tourism, which is particularly worrisome given South Africa’s 18.1 percent HIV rate.
For months locals have questioned if investment in social services rather than flashy infrastructure would have better served the country. But as yet their words have been ignored and the rewards of the World Cup are proving to be more cosmetic than substantial for the vast major of South Africans.
