75% of people excited about 2010 FIFA World Cup - but half are concerned about a terrorist attack

Looking at excitement levels in more detail
People were asked to agree or disagree with the statement “I am excited about the 2010 Soccer World Cup”. Whilst 76% agreed with this statement (19% disagreed and only 5% gave a “don't know” response), there is strong variation by race:

• Agree - 76%
  • Blacks - 86%; whites - 45%; coloureds - 69%; Indians/Asians - 77%.

• Disagree - 19%
  • Blacks - 9%; whites - 49%; coloureds - 25%; Indians/Asians - 19%.

For all race groups except Indians/Asians, females evinced lower levels of excitement (80% for males vs 72% for females). Younger people (those aged 18 to 24 years) are much more excited (86%) compared with older people (only 51% of those aged 60 years and more are excited). Possibly hoping for some spin-offs, unemployed people are also much more excited than others (82% vs 74%).

Looking at security fears in more detail

Here, people were asked to agree or disagree with the statement “I am concerned about the threat of a terrorist attack during the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup”. Just over a half (51%) agreed with this statement, whilst 37% disagreed and 12% gave a “don't know” response. Demographic differences are much smaller here with no differences by age or gender being evident. There are some differences by city.

• Agree - 51%
  • Blacks - 53%; whites - 58%; coloureds - 41%; Indians/Asians - 36%

• Disagree - 37%
  • Blacks - 36%; whites - 28%; coloureds - 52%; Indians/Asians - 42%

Our take-out
Whilst there is no doubt that excitement is growing about the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup (and will almost certainly be enhanced by Friday's draw), half of adults have concerns about security and, specifically, the threat of a terrorist attack. Cape Town is the least excited city. Security concerns are highest in Bloemfontein, East London and Cape Town, and on the East Rand.

Technical note

The studies were conducted amongst 2 000 adults (1260 blacks, 385 whites, 240 coloureds and 115 Indians/Asians) in the seven major metropolitan areas: they have a margin of error of under 2.5% for the results found for the total sample. The studies were conducted by TNS Research Surveys (Pty) Ltd as part of their ongoing research into current social and political issues and were funded by TNS Research Surveys. For more details, please contact Neil Higgs on 011-778-7500 or 082-376-6312. www.tnsresearchsurveys.co.za

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