Though in high spirits before leaving for the Commonwealth Games in India, the South African team took steps to ensure their safety in Delhi.

The chief executive of the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, Tubby Reddy, said team members took out extra travel insurance and would returnas soon as they had finished their events.

"All team members have taken increased insurance cover to take care of hospitalisation issues, should they arise.

"We will send them . home [after completing their events] to reduce the risk factor," he said.

Preparation for the games has been fraught with problems. Several buildings, including the roof of the weight-lifting arena, and bridges, have collapsed, and there have been health threats such as an outbreak of dengue fever in Delhi.

Work on the athletes' village is not finished.

Several teams have threatened to pull out of the games because of the poorly prepared facilities, and because of terrorist threats.

Reddy, who will leave for India on Wednesday, told The Times yesterday that the team and its management were looking forward to taking part in the tournament, despite the worrying reports.

"We will be not be withdrawing. We, as South Africans, are a developing nation, just like India. Our duty as a team is to go . and participate in the tournament and not complain," said Reddy.

He said the team sent to India last week to inspect the facilities and security measures had given a positive report.

"They reported that the Indians have put in place one of the best security systems . almost in line with the security we had during the soccer World Cup," he said.

He said the organising committee had promised that, if the team-members' rooms were not ready when they arrived, they would accommodate them in a hotel.