The festive season in South Africa is exciting and joyful. As with any country in the world, it is important to remember to stay safe.
Silent Rights, an organisation that fights against domestic violence and Gender-Based Violence, provides safety tips for the festive season:
• Don’t let too many people know when you are going on holiday, only those you trust.
• Make sure your doors lock properly and that you have burglar bars.
• If your house is broken into, notify the police immediately.
• If you are travelling an unfamiliar route, make sure to plan your route properly ahead of time.
• Try to avoid back roads as much as possible.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Be aware that shopping malls will be crowded, plan accordingly.
• Park in well-lit areas at night.
• Never give lifts to strangers.
• Always have a map of the area on you.
• Be aware of the emergency numbers just in case.
• Do not carry around large sums of money.
• Be extremely careful on the roads.
• Keep valuable items concealed.
• Be aware of strangers.
• It is always better to travel in groups.
• Hold your child’s hand and be alert of them at all times. Always accompany them to the bathroom.
• Keep your car doors locked at all times and always be sure to have certified identification on you.
• Keep your important items locked up in a safe at home or at your hotel.
• When you are entertaining a group of children or adults have a designated water watcher who is responsible for keeping track of everyone.
• Never leave children unattended in or around pools – not even for a second.
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