Examining the risk of terrorism during the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Sasria Business Development Executive to speak at upcoming 2010 Insurance Industry Conference

Is there a risk of terrorism during the 2010 Fifa World Cup? This is a vexed question that is on everyone’s mind, especially in light of the recent scare in New York’s Times Square. What this event showed is that terrorism has many faces, and that it can take the form of both organised action by established groups, as well as ad hoc - yet extremely dangerous - action by individuals.

Any high-profile event where large numbers of people congregate is a potential terrorist target, and this is something that is top-of-mind for local security services, World Cup stakeholders and the insurance industry. That is why the presentation by Sasria Business Development Executive, Collin Macheke, who will speak on this subject at the upcoming 2010 Insurance Conference.

The annual conference, which will take place from 23 to 26 May at Sun City, is the country’s premier forum for showcasing, discussing and analysing insurance risks and solutions. And this year, more than most, delegates will have to consider risks that would not usually present themselves.

“Terror threats have already been voiced against the UK, US and Italian teams,” says Macheke, “so the risk of terrorism during the World Cup is one that everyone involved is taking very seriously.”

Sasria, South Africa’s leading special risks insurer, has over 30 years of experience in managing such extraordinary risks as public disorder, labour disturbances, civil unrest, strikes, lock-outs and acts of terrorism.

“We bring well-established knowledge resources to the table,” says Macheke, “and forewarned is definitely forearmed.

“Of course, by the nature of the threat of terrorism, no-one involved - including Fifa, the government or stakeholders like Sasria can comment on how specific threats are being investigated and dealt with. It is enough to say that we need to be prepared for any eventuality.”

Thorough vulnerability and threat analyses form the cornerstone of all responses to the possibility of terror attacks during the World Cup have been done. These take into account both the global context of this threat, as well as local preparations and security plans.

“Being part of the international community and hosting such a significant international event places South Africa in a different threat category,” says Macheke. “Although the country itself might not be on the radar as a terrorist target, a different set of rules applies when it is hosting an event of this nature”.

“We nevertheless have the skills and experience in both the private and public sectors to prepare for a secure World Cup, and to make sure that it will be a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.”