'Not About Security', But Army Will Be in Full Force During Cup

Despite declaring that army personnel would not be allowed to take leave during the World Cup, South African Army Chief Solly Shoke is trying to make the argument that safety concerns over the World Cup have been overblown.

Members of the army would not be granted leave during the Fifa World Cup tournament, SA Army Chief Solly Shoke said on Thursday.

"All leave has been cancelled. All members of the SA Army will be on high alert," Shoke told the media during a briefing in Pretoria.

However Shoke said high alert was a norm for large events and was not a result of any perceived disruptions.

'This World Cup is not about security'
Independent Online
March 25, 2010