Firstly, let me start by appreciating the support received from Minister of Police Bheki Cele and the entire security cluster.
Since my arrival in the Department of Tourism, the sector has raised great concern about safety affecting tourism, to the extent that our international arrivals to South Africa have dropped. Without a doubt, the challenges around safety had negatively affected our major markets.
We engaged with the Minister of Police and various stakeholders, which has led us to today’s announcements resulting from collaborative efforts by us as the Department on behalf of our sector represented by TBCSA and the entire security cluster.
Accordingly, we have crafted a workable Tourism Safety Plan, integrating a (1) Proactive preventative measures to potential incidents (2) Responsive measures that to ensure quick and effective operational response, and importantly (3) An aftercare programme that focuses on measures to facilitate and provide victim support after an incident has occurred.
The strategy, to guide our response to the spiralling challenges of tourism safety which impacts on the country’s tourism potential, was developed in consultation with various structures. We can also share that a forum has been established and includes representatives from the various stakeholders in the industry representing, Arilines, Rail Operators, Accommodation.
In the long term, we will remodel the Tourism Monitors Programme so that that they are linked with SAPS Community Policing Forums and Community Safety Patrollers as part of SAPS Community Policing Strategy.
Our task as a sector is immense as we occupy the number two spot in the list of government priorites. This is because the government understands the potential of this sector to economic growth and job creation.
This strategy has been costed and we are confident of its implementation through this festive season and over the next six months as a pilot programme.
The Minister of Police will go into details on the plans in as far as it relates to policing.
We believe that the public will see value in government efforts and the intervention measures implemented for this festive season.
The joint effort between government and the private sector is evidenced today by these partnerships formed to deal decisively with the safety of our visitors and to ensure that South Africa remains a destination of choice.
I am pleased to announce that R40million from the TOMSA levy has been reprioritized towards dealing with safety issues.
The implementation plan and the initiatives of the private sector initiatives is funded through the Tourism Business Council South Africa (TBCSA) administered Tourism Levy. The pilot interventions include:
- Deployment of Private Security at Tourism hotspots and the use of Technology - Installation of CCTV Cameras, Deployment of Drones for response
- Integration and deployment of Tourism Monitors at private establishments including the interphase of operators to interact with various provincial joint operations centres for early warning, reporting incidents and sharing information on potential risks
As a department, we continue to invite the public sector to come partner with us for better good of the country and effectively our economy
We want to emphasize the importance of collaborative effort in dealing decisively with the safety of our visitors and to ensure that South Africa remains a destination of choice, and committed to bring in more partners into the fight against crime in general and tourism safety in particular
We are certain that with this plan, our guests and South Africans traveling will also have a pleasant time visiting our various attractions until their safe return home.
For inquiries contact:
Hlengiwe Nhlabathi-Mokota
Media Liaison Officer: Ministry of Tourism
Tel: 012 444 6772
Cell: 064 754 8426
OR
Lirandzu Themba
Media Liaison Officer: Ministry of Police
Tel: 012 444 6607
Cell: 082 604 9080