News ‘Securing What Matters’ 07/06/2010
The kick-off of the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa is drawing near. The organisers are currently finalising work on the stadiums and the supporting infrastructure, ready to welcome the teams, their entourage and the many thousands of football supporters.
Betafence is also present at the world football championship. The market leader in fencing, access control and detection systems delivered 60 kilometres of mobile fences and supplied the fencing systems around three of the stadiums: namely Green Point Park, Cape Town, Moses Mabhida Stadium Precinct in Durban and the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The company also realised fencing solutions for some training facilities and perimeter fencing upgrades of various transport infrastructure facilities.
An impressive list of references of local and international security projects convinced the organisers to award these prestigious contracts to Betafence.
Safe playing
The eye-catcher will no doubt be the 60 kilometres of mobile fencing supplied by Betafence to ensure the proper flow and control of the large crowds of spectators into the stadiums. 
An essential element in securing the Green Point Stadium was to implement an all-in solution, with a perfect balance between visibility and aesthetics and obviously an effective perimeter security.
For the walkways at the entrances and the parking facilities, the organisers opted for an anti-vandal and anti-climb Betafence Securifor Dublo® fence, characterised by its innovative small mesh. This fence proves that safety, functionality and aesthetics can indeed go hand in hand.
Security, visibility and aesthetics were the key factors for deciding on the fencing for the park facilities which will be used for recreational and golfing purposes. The 5.5 kilometre long, robust Nylofor fence in anthracite grey perfectly matches the requirements.
Betafence carried out the upgrade of the fencing in and around the Moses Mabhida Stadium sports Precinct, including the Olympic King Shaka swimming pool, the Natal Mounted Rifles facilities and the Natal Maritime Museum. Some 6 kilometres of Nylofor was erected in total. The corrosion-resistant coating was a particular feature because of the coastal location.
Safe training
A total of 15 stadia will be used as FIFA 2010 World Cup training venues in the country during the much-awaited world cup tournament. A number of these stadia have been upgraded extensively in order to host the visiting soccer teams, and these upgrades have included the supply of Betafence collapsible fencing. The stadia for which Betafence has supplied fencing include the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, Rand Stadium and WITS Stadia in Johannesburg, Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban and “Sugar Ray” Xulu Stadium also in Durban and the ABSA Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
Safe travelling
Betafence also played a part in the upgrading of the existing transport infrastructure.
In Durban, Betafence supplied the perimeter fence and internal fence for the new King Shaka International Airport and countless fencing upgrades in and around the harbour. Betaview, a new anti-climb and anti-cut fencing system specially developed for the South African market, was specified for both projects.
Other projects which were realised were a number of the stations of the Bus Rapid Transport system in Cape Town, as well as for the Mthata and Bisho airports.
Betafence, a well-established name at international sporting events
International sporting events have a strategic value for Betafence. The active approach towards this segment not only creates opportunities for the security of the sport-related infrastructure; it also allows Betafence to present itself as a competent partner in the development of transport and accommodation facilities that often come with a sporting event of this magnitude.
It is clear that Betafence has a strong presence at the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Past experience also includes the World Cup in Germany and the Olympic Games in China. Betafence is now starting to prepare for the European Football Championship in Poland and the Ukraine, as well as for the London 2012 Olympic Games. In view of the 2014 World Cup Football and the 2016 Olympic Games, Betafence participated in the recent economic mission to Brazil under the patronage of H.R.H. Prince Philippe of Belgium.