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By Clayton Barnes
The country's World Cup stadiums are each expected to be "blessed" with a mass slaughter of animals next year - if traditional leaders get their way.
Zolani Mkiva, the Makhonya Royal Trust chairman, said they wanted the rituals to be performed at all 2010 stadiums.
"It is necessary that an inkomo (cow) be slaughtered at each one of the stadiums, and by doing so we would be inviting our African ancestors to be with us throughout the soccer event," he said.
But the slaughtering might not be the only option, said the city's 2010 spokesman, Pieter Cronje. The city's view was that a "blessing" could take many forms.
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"There was a blessing and limited sacrifice ceremony on the stadium site before the start of construction.
"This was done under the appropriate supervision of law enforcement and city health officials.
"There was also an inter-denominational blessing at the sod-turning ceremony for the stadium by the premier and mayor at the time," he said.
In the provisional planning for the inaugural test event, Cronje said an appropriate "blessing element" was under consideration.
The National Council of SPCAs has asked to be included in talks about the proposed rituals.
In a statement, the council said it would work towards being included in talks with traditional leaders and the local organising committee.
"The NSPCA position is respectful and supportive towards cultural and traditional practices," said the statement.
"Welfare standards are paramount and these include issues such as transportation of animals, holding facilities, the manner of handling, plus the method of slaughter.
"The NSPCA wishes to give input on this issue to all relevant parties, including to the traditional leaders who made the announcement on this issue.
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