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| Blowing the vuvuzela: background to the name |
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Nothing sounds more South African then the blast of a vuvuzela at a soccer match, its unmistakable voice soaring above the excited cheers of supporters. Just one horn can cut through a crowd and make a huge noise; when the whole stadium is involved, the impact is incredible. The tone of this trumpet-shaped instrument is indeed very local, and very lekker.
It’s because of the association with a uniquely South African product that can empower an individual to be heard, that partners in the country’s newest anti-corruption company chose the vuvuzela as their corporate symbol. The Vuvuzela Hotline will provide the means for people to raise their voices about ethical or criminal issues in their workplace in a clear and effective manner . Ultimately, the aim is for all stake-holders (from cleaning staff to CEO) to start working together to build up a winning team – something definitely worth cheering for.
'The traditional concept of a whistleblower has always been associated with a European image of a bobby-on-the-beat. We are talking about the blowing the whistle in a South African situation. It’s far more relevant to call it blowing the vuvuzela,' says Wouter Grove, Vuvuzela Hotline chief operating officer.
Vuvuzela director Jonathan Jacobs, who heads up the forensic practice for SAB&T in the Western and Eastern Cape, explains further: 'Although what we are dealing with happens in many countries internationally, our company will provide specifically South African solutions to problems. We want to build up a culture here where fraud, corruption, criminal and unethical behaviour is not tolerated – it gets reported. People must feel that they can blow the vuvuzela on these issues.'
'It’s also about spurring on your team – in the workplace, your team are the people you work for and with,' says Grove. 'Nobody wants to be in a losing side, so stamping out the things that slow you down from getting ahead, like theft or abuse, is good for everybody.'
While the meaning of the word "vuvuzela" seems varied – some say it could mean 'making a noise', others describe it as a 'shower of music' – it is an indigenous instrument that has been around for many years. Originally it was made from the horn of a Kudu, and used to summon villagers to gatherings. Nowadays it is made of plastic, and comes in an array of bright colours.
Manufacture of the vuvuzela is itself a very proudly South African process by Masincedane Sport CC, a black-owned local sports promotions company. With the soccer world cup in South Africa just ahead, the demand for vuvuzelas is steadily increasing, creating employment opportunities along the way.
What’s most important about the instrument for the partners at the Vuvuzela Hotline is that it can empower one small person to make a big difference. Blowing the vuvuzela really can have an effect.
Ends
Issued by: HWB Communications
on behalf of
The Vuvuzela Hotline
Contact: Evelyn Holtzhausen
021 - 462 0416
082 658 6007
evelyn@hwb.co.za
or
Glenda Nevill
021 - 462 0416
083 293 4827
glenda@hwb.co.za
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