Vuvuzela gets Afcon green light
South Africa's 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Local Organising Committee (LOC) announced on Wednesday that vuvuzelas will be allowed at the tournament.
LOC chief executive Mvuzo Mbebe said the organisers had no reason to doubt the musical instruments and their place within the South African soccer experience.
"Vuvuzelas are part of our culture and our soccer nation," Mbebe said.
"Teams come in different forms. Until somebody proves otherwise, vuvuzelas will be allowed into the stadium."
Mbebe was speaking at a media debate with the LOC on various issues regarding the hosting of the tournament, including the price of tickets, their distribution and the presence of the controversial vuvuzela.
"They are instruments of enjoyment and up until there is an issue, they will be part of this tournament," Mbebe said.
"At this point in time, vuvuzelas are fine. Our control systems will ensure that violence does not happen.
"We are confident that the vuvuzelas will add to the spirit of the tournament."
Last month, angry Mamelodi Sundowns fans threw vuvuzelas at coach Johan Neeskens as police escorted him from the field.
Concerns about the drone produced by vuvuzelas during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa were raised by representatives of international football teams, spectators and sports commentators following the tournament, but Mbebe said he had no concerns.
The noise levels produced by vuvuzelas during the 2010 World Cup prompted various sporting organisations to ban them at certain events, including the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, and the Wimbledon tennis complex in England have also banned the instrument at their facilities.
