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South Africa Is Largely Safe for Festive Season Tourists, Says De Lille
‘South Africa Is Still Worth the Journey,’ Says De Lille
As the festive season travel rush builds, the government has stepped forward with a clear message for both locals and international visitors. South Africa remains open, welcoming, and, to a large extent, safe.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille used a recent television interview to address one of the country’s most persistent concerns. Safety. Speaking frankly, she acknowledged that crime remains a reality but insisted that significant work is being done to protect travellers, especially during December when visitor numbers surge.
Her comments land at a critical moment. December is when beaches, bush lodges, wine farms, and city hotspots fill up. It is also when international perceptions matter most for a tourism sector that supports thousands of jobs across the country.
Why Safety Still Dominates the Tourism Conversation
South Africa’s appeal is undeniable. From the Sea Point Promenade in Cape Town to the wildlife-rich plains of the Kruger, the country offers a variety few destinations can match. Tourism continues to be a major economic pillar, supported by established infrastructure and globally recognised attractions.
Yet safety concerns remain one of the biggest hurdles. Incidents involving tourists often make international headlines, shaping how the country is viewed abroad. According to government research, just under 30 percent of international travellers say safety is a key concern when deciding whether to book a trip.
De Lille said many visitors actively research safety measures before committing to the long flight south. That reality has pushed government and industry to rethink how they communicate and manage tourist protection.
Inside Government’s Festive Season Safety Plan
This year’s approach is deliberately multi-layered. The government has partnered closely with hotels, guest houses, and private tourism operators to ensure visitors receive safety information from the moment they check in. These include practical tips aligned with guidance from the South African Police Service.
There is also a stronger focus on arrival points. Partnerships with the Border Management Authority mean that safety efforts now begin at international airports and land borders, rather than only once tourists are already inside the country.
One of the most visible interventions has been the deployment of tourism monitors. These are trained individuals stationed at key tourist sites who use technology to help track and respond to safety concerns involving both local and international travellers.
In the past financial year, the government invested R174 million into the programme, employing and deploying 2,300 monitors. This year, another 1,500 have already been rolled out. Beyond safety, the initiative doubles as a job creation drive for young people, with accredited training and additional instruction from the police.
‘The Crooks Are on Full Alert Too’
De Lille did not sugarcoat the risks. December, she warned, is also peak season for criminals. Her message to South Africans was direct. Safety cannot rest with the government alone.
She appealed to citizens to play an active role in protecting visitors by being alert, offering guidance, and speaking up when something feels off. This, she said, is where South Africa’s reputation for warmth and Ubuntu can make a real difference.
That sentiment has resonated online. Social media reaction following her remarks has been mixed but engaged. Some users welcomed the honesty and practical focus, while others called for even stronger visible policing. What is clear is that safety remains at the forefront of the minds of both travellers and locals.
A Reputation Still Being Written
Despite its challenges, South Africa continues to attract millions of visitors every year. Many leave with stories of kindness, unforgettable landscapes, and a sense of connection that keeps them coming back.
The government’s push this festive season is about protecting that experience. The goal, as De Lille put it, is for visitors to return home and tell their own stories about a country that looked after them.
In a global tourism market where perception can be as powerful as reality, South Africa is betting that coordination, visibility, and community involvement can shift the narrative, one safe journey at a time.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Tourism Update
