A proposal to slaughter cows to bless South Africa's World Cup stadiums, sparks protests

Animal sacrifice is a vital part of life for many South Africans

A proposal to bless South Africa's World Cup stadiums by slaughtering a cow in each one has caused concern among animal rights activists.

The Makhonya Royal Trust, which put forward the idea, described the cattle killing ritual as a "true African" way of blessing the 2010 tournament.

Government minister Sicelo Shiceka has promised to lobby football's governing body, Fifa, in support of the plan.

But animal rights groups have demanded to be consulted over the plans.

The National Council for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has written to Fifa over the issue.

The BBC's Mohammed Allie in Cape Town says the NSPCA does not object to the ritual slaughter of animals.

New stadiums have been built for the eagerly anticipated World Cup

But the group wants to ensure it is done in a humane way and wants to be involved in the process to ensure the welfare of the cattle, our correspondent adds.

The Makhonya Royal Trust, which co-ordinates African cultural activities, said the sacrifice was an important way of ensuring a successful World Cup.

"We must have a cultural ceremony of some sort, where we are going to slaughter a beast," trust chairman Zolani Mkiva told Reuters news agency.

"We sacrifice the cow for this great achievement and we call on our ancestors to bless, to grace, to ensure that all goes well."

Mr Shiceka, the co-operative governance and traditional affairs minister, was quoted in South African media as giving his support to the plan.

"The World Cup will be on the African continent and we will make sure that African values and cultures are felt by the visitors," the Citizen newspaper quoted him as saying.

The row comes amid attempts by activists to stop a traditional Zulu bull-killing ceremony due to take place on 5 December.

Activists have brought a legal challenge in an attempt to stop the ritual, known as Ukweshwama, when a crowd of young men kill a bull with their hands.

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