It is two months until the FIFA World Cup kick-off. Host country South Africa remains a land of contrasts, even twenty years after the end of apartheid. During his visit to the prison of Robben Island, Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle urged South Africa to remain resolute on its path to reconciliation.

The year 2010 is a crucial one for South Africa as it hosts the first FIFA World Cup to be held on African soil. The country is struggling with the consequences of the international economic and financial crisis and it must find the fortitude to continue the policy of reconciliation it has pursued since the end of apartheid in 1994.

In Cape Town, the third stop on his tour of South Africa, Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle spoke with human rights activists and former political prisoners about the challenges that unite Germany and South Africa – twenty years after reunification and the end of apartheid. During his visit to Robben Island, which became a symbol for the repression of black people in South Africa, Westerwelle called on Germans and South Africans to join together in leading the global struggle for human rights. Reconciliation between blacks and whites was a task that would take generations, he said. It was the responsibility of future generations to ensure that South Africa did not falter in this task.

Germany supports the fight against poverty

The gap between rich and poor is one of the greatest challenges facing South Africa. For example, the ultra modern “Waterfront” – the city’s harbour – dazzles in stark contrast to vast slum quarters like the former township Khayelitsha.

Germany and the city of Cape Town are working together to tackle poverty in the slum quarters and reduce crime. The Federal Government is investing a total of 15.5 million euro in this work. This has enabled the residents of Khayelitsha, in conjunction with German organizations like the Reconstruction Loan Corporation (KfW) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, to draw up a strategy designed to make the township safer and generate income. Small permanent markets provide space for shops and hot food stalls, thus stimulating the local economy. An improved infrastructure helps to defuse crime trouble spots. Victims of violence receive support. The pilot project has been successful in reducing crime by a third.

Khayelitsha covers an area of about fifteen square kilometres. Originally designed to house 250,000 inhabitants, it is now home to between 600,000 and 800,000 people. Each month the number increases by 3000. About a half of the quarter’s inhabitants live in slums.

http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/diplo/en/AAmt/BM-Reisen/2010/04-Afrika/100410-S_C3_BCdafrikaWM.html