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 Animal slaughter plan for 2010
    October 28 2009 at 01:54PM Get IOL on your
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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.

"The NSPCA stresses that its role will not be to preach or dictate, but to act in a welfare-liaison capacity."

The council's Marcelle Meredith said culture, tradition and welfare need not be in conflict, and the NSPCA had a duty to act in the best interests of all animals, and to promote their welfare.

The LOC was not available for comment.

  • An internet petition to halt the slaughter, and call for a boycott of the World Cup games and other action if it goes ahead, has been signed by people from around the world, including Mexico, Canada, the UK, US, Denmark and Australia.

      • This article was originally published on page 8 of Cape Argus on October 28, 2009
    • Showing page 1 of 4 comment pages, 34 total comments
    1 Week ago Anonymous wrote :
    I am OK with it if it is humane. If the animal suffers, thats a different story.
    1 Week ago Anonymous wrote :
    They don't 'JUST' slaughter (we would have hoped at least, they would do this "humanely" if at all). NO, they intentionally cause the beast to suffer as long as possible. This, apparently is the way to get through to the spirits to influence the outcome of the game!! How sportsmanlike! Of course, it will be shown on DS...TV to the millions of soccer fans. I trust the reaction will influence FIFA and all international sports bodies to ban this barbaric ritual. You can bet your life this petition will now be called RACIALISTIC by the usual reactionaries, like Mr Julius Malema and Co !!
    3 Weeks ago Anon wrote :
    I think that it is completely unnecessary to sacriifice a beautiful, breathing, gentle, feeling creature to entertain our "cultural beliefs". I promise you that the ancestors would be prouder if we didnt take away life to help us in a soccer game.
    3 Weeks ago James McGreggor wrote :
    Seriously, these folk need to get with the program and have a word with themselves. Their ancestors are dead, gone, caput. WTF good is chopping up a tasty steak provider going to do? Seriously, when your dead that's it, nadda, nil nothing after it. Even if there was, they'll be well annoyed at the thought of a tasty steak when they know they can't eat it!!!! I'm amazed that there are still idiots in the world who do stupid things like sacrifice.... beggars belief.
    3 Weeks ago DurbsBiDaSea wrote :
    The only way South Africa could win the World Cup is if we slaughter the visiting teams - damn the Germans will have bullet proof vests. :-)
    3 Weeks ago Witman wrote :
    Oh my God, the Africans are more handicaped then I initialy thought !
    3 Weeks ago Kyle wrote :
    @ Black Like You!: Well said, buddy. It is completely unnecessary and outdated to do things like this. And @ Baas time is over: You could learn a thing or two from Black Like You!. Like common sense, for one thing. And stop being so confrontational towards whites. This country belongs to all of us, and we have the power to make it a superpower - but all this bickering over kak is stopping us doing just that. (Not that the media, this site included, are helping.) Kyle.
    3 Weeks ago Anonymous wrote :
    For those opposing this, go to http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Stop-2010-World-Cup-Animal-Sacrifice and sign the petition.
    3 Weeks ago Something Foul wrote :
    I will not take part in any world cup activities if this goes ahead. There is no need for it at all!! In any case Bafana Bafana are a joke and should rather play in the Ladies World Cup! They need a lot more help than from their ancestors if they intend winning any games.
    3 Weeks ago Anonymous wrote :
    black like you,its guys like you that makes it worth to keep on trying to make sa a better place.thank you
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