Tourists’ safety discussed in meeting
The safety of visitors to Mpumalanga was high on the agenda during the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe’s meeting with the tourism sector last week.
MBOMBELA – The meeting that was attended among others by the KLCBT, Komatipoort Business Chamber and police management in the province, was aimed at discussing issues affecting the tourism sector in Mpumalanga.
Some of the issues that came under the spotlight were crimes committed against tourists, congestion at the Lebombo Border Post and the length of time it takes to prosecute suspects linked to crimes against visitors, especially those from abroad.
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The KLCBT expressed a wish to see increased patrols and law enforcement visibility on problematic areas and routes. They also bemoaned corruption by some within law enforcement, saying that anomaly has a potential of robbing the province of much-needed revenue and economic activity in the sector. They believe that with increased visibility and cooperation among all role players, tourism will be bolstered.
They have also pleaded for the Lebombo Border Post to open for 24 hours to ease congestion linked to the movement of trucks. They stated this congestion affects visitors and it also has an impact on the overall well-being of truck drivers.
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The KLCBT urged for quicker prosecution of suspects, and it also called for the virtual hearing of such cases to fast-track speedy finalisation and successful prosecution. Meanwhile, the chamber undertook to build a truck stop around Mashishing, Lydenburg, where heavy vehicle drivers travelling long distances can stay overnight and also refresh.
Responding to some of the issues, Shongwe stated that tourism is the province’s gold mine and government would do all in its might to ensure tourists’s safety.
“We must all work together to ensure that tourists are safe. Tourism is our gold mine because of the number of jobs it creates,” he said shortly after the meeting.
He added that the forum would sit on a regular basis and more stakeholders would be roped in. Shongwe also promised that issues that fall outside the mandate of the department would be escalated to relevant departments and ministries on an urgent basis.
