By Adele Mackenzie and Dale Hes
The tourism industry has strongly condemned an incident on Lake Jozini in KwaZulu Natal where cruise boat tourists had to take cover from poachers’ gunfire this week (Wednesday, January 11), and is calling for government entities to be proactive rather than reactive to issues affecting tourism.
A video has emerged online of the tourists – reportedly including five Germans, two Americans and one Australian – being told to take cover as shots were fired by a group of armed men linked to the poaching of about 25 elephants around the dam over the past few months. No one was injured in the incident.
Media outlets have reported that 12 charges of attempted murder have been laid against the suspects, although the SAPS has yet to confirm the charges.
“We strongly condemn this outrageous incident which could have a serious impact on destination SA’s reputation,” said Chairperson of FEDHASA, Rosemary Anderson.
KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife spokesperson, Musa Mntambo, told Tourism Update that it seemed as if the boat was not specifically targeted, but Anderson was adamant that whether or not the tourists were “in the wrong place at the wrong time”, the fact that these kinds of incidents were happening at all should make all local, provincial and national governments take note and take action.
“It is deeply troubling that government acknowledges the important role tourism can play in the economy and job creation, yet does not back these words with action to the extent that obstacles to growing tourism – from red tape to safety issues – keep coming back to haunt us,” Anderson commented.
Her concerns were widely echoed by members of the industry in comments posted to Tourism Update, with Alpha Destinations Director, Angela Matthews, stating: “When will government finally see tourism for what it is: the potential saviour of our suffering economy, a major source of employment for people who don't need any tertiary education, in particular women. And an industry that can function during load shedding! Come on, it's seriously low-hanging fruit. I keep asking myself, are our politicians not interested because there is nothing in it for them personally?”
Anderson added: “We maintain as FEDHASA that an all-of-government approach, and one that goes beyond platitudes, is needed as a matter of urgency.”
She suggests that the government’s first action should be to start taking tourism and its potential seriously. “The next is to understand what it is going to take to unlock the barriers – including safety issues. And that will then require action at the highest level.”
SATSA/SATIB SECURA Traveller initiative
SATSA CEO, David Frost, while emphasising that the security of SA’s travellers must be industry’s greatest priority, noted that the inbound association – in conjunction with insurance brokers, SATIB – has launched the SECURA Traveller initiative, which offers emergency medical and support services for tourists.
He explained: “Equipped with a panic button (either tangibly or via a mobile phone), travellers are now connected to hundreds of emergency responders who can respond in any emergency.”
Frost said SATSA was working with SECURA to bolster the services in northern KwaZulu Natal to ensure the heightened presence of security personnel in the region.
Travellers Support Fund
Through its SATSA Travellers Support, the association also offers emergency support services such as document replacement, clothing, accommodation and transport.
“We have a network of Traveller Ambassadors and translators who offer additional services (including translation) if needed,” added Frost.
