Source: Republic of South Africa: The Parliament |

South Africa: Portfolio Committee on Tourism Condemns Attacks on Tourists

This past Sunday a man was stabbed to death on the mountain above St. James, Cape Town

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, January 31, 2018/APO Group/ --

The Portfolio Committee on Tourism has condemned the increased attacks on tourists and hikers on the Table Mountain range during the holiday season. Notably, this past Sunday a man was stabbed to death on the mountain above St. James, Cape Town. Further, the alleged sexual assault of a tourist at a police roadblock outside OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng is concerning, as the police should be protectors from and not perpetrators of such heinous deeds.

The Committee is concerned that these attacks will affect tourism, which is a major role player in the economy, particularly in Cape Town, South Africa’s key international tourist destination. Fewer tourists visiting South Africa will impact on jobs and the related spin-offs of this industry. This comes at a time when South Africa is attempting to improve the economy by attracting international investors.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism, Ms. Beatrice Ngcobo, calls on the Provincial Department of Tourism, the national Department of Tourism, the South African Police Service and South African National Parks to collaborate and institute mechanisms to make these tourist destinations safer.

We call on crime prevention authorities to be vigilant and to work closely with communities in crime hot spots to enable both local and overseas tourists to enjoy the various tourist destinations without fear of becoming victims of crime.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.