In a bid to gain an upper hand over terrorist elements who could be plotting to carry out acts of terror during South Africa's hosting of the 2010 soccer World Cup, the National Intelligence Agency is dispatching agents across the globe to collect counter-terrorism intelligence, says Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils.

Addressing a media briefing at the SA/Namibia Joint Commission on Defence and Security today, Kasrils said the magnitude of the event, which is likely to draw millions of tourists to South Africa, was so enormous that government could not afford to ignore any possible security threats.

"We are sending a delegation to countries such as Mexico, France and Germany to study the various security experiences of these countries, and familiarise ourselves with measures they put in place to deal with security threats posed by an event of this magnitude," he said.

However, he said the task of ensuring a peaceful World Cup could not be done by his department alone.

"We are working together with various departments such as Safety and Security, Defence and Home Affairs," he said.

Meanwhile, the SA/Namibia Joint Commission on Defence and Security, initiated five years ago, is aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries on law enforcement and security along their borders.

It also seeks to create the requisite conditions for security and stability during elections.

South African Minister of Defence Mosiuoa Lekota said, if well staged, the 2010 soccer World Cup could improve regional security.

"It will become the focal point around which we can drive many of our long-term initiatives for the security and development of the entire Southern African Development Community region," he said. - BuaNews