​Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom has reassured travellers to South Africa of their safety, following an alert issued by the US Embassy in Pretoria at the weekend.

Minister Hanekom said he was confident that South Africa’s security services remain vigilant and are doing everything within their power to keep all areas of the country safe.

“The alerts issued periodically by other governments to their citizens around the world as a standard precautionary measure have been noted,” said Minister Hanekom.

“We can understand that alerts of this nature may cause anxiety and fear amongst some travellers and members of the trade who want to advise their clients responsibly. Tourists to South Africa should be aware that our security services are working with their counterparts in countries around the world on these concerns, and are liaising closely with our business community to secure the safety of our citizens and visitors.” 

Minister Hanekom encouraged the travel industry to continue to take due care in the normal course of business.

Yesterday, State Security Minister David Mahlobo said in a statement on the US alert: “We remain a strong and stable democratic country and there is no immediate danger posed by the alert”.

Enquiries:

Mr Praveen Naidoo
Media Liaison Officer to the Minister
National Department of Tourism
Telephone: +27 (0) 12 444 6607
Cell: +27 (0) 71 677 5004
Email: pnaidoo@tourism.gov.za
Facebook: DepartmentOfTourism
Twitter:  @Tourism_gov_za