Thumbs-up for vuvuzelas
12 September 2008
Nearly three-quarters of South Africans believe that use of vuvuzelas during 2010 Fifa World Cup matches will improve the atmosphere in the stadiums, a new survey by market research company African Response has found.
While the plastic, metre-long trumpet has come to symbolise the spirit of South Africa's passionate soccer fans, its overbearing sound has been criticised, and some have even called for it to be banned from the World Cup.
'Sound of South African soccer'
While there is obvious local support for Fifa's decision to allow the instrument in stadiums during World Cup matches, it remains to be seen whether foreign visitors will have the same tolerance for the "iconic sound of South African soccer".
As part of African Response's "2010 Barometer" for the month of September, they asked 400 respondents from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria whether vuvuzelas would add to the atmosphere during World Cup matches.
"Results revealed that 71% of the nation said 'yes', while 23% felt that vuvuzelas would not perk up the atmosphere and 6% were undecided," African Response said.
Tracking 2010 confidence
"Vuvuzelas or no vuvuzelas, 2010 is just around the corner and with only 407 days left to go, the big question is: will we be ready?"
This month's 2010 Barometer reading indicates that 66% of South Africans are confident that the country will be ready to host the event successfully.
SAinfo reporter
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