SECURITY

Below you can find general information on Security in South Africa.

Safety tips : Tourism Whitepaper

Accommodation:

 It is recommended that you: 

• Do not leave your luggage unattended.
• Store valuables in the accommodation establishment’s safety deposit box.
• Keep your room locked at all times, and if someone knocks check who it is before opening the door.
• Do not leave room keys lying around.
• Hand your room keys in at the front desk whenever you leave the accommodation establishment.

 Money and Travel Documents:

 It is recommended that you: 

• Separate your cash and credit cards and do not carry all of your cash and / or traveller’s cheques with you.  Instead place them in your room safe or the hotel safe.
• Do not allow strangers to assist you in your transactions at an automated teller machine (ATM).  If your card appears to be stuck immediately call the help line number that can usually be found at the ATMs for assistance.  Be alert and watch that no one takes the card when you turn your back.
• Report lost passports and visas as soon as possible to your country’s embassy or consulate, and the SAPS. 

 In The Street:

 It is recommended that you: 

• Try to obtain a route map before you set out and plan your route before hand.
• Keep cell phones and wallets tucked away where no one can see them and avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewellery, cameras and other valuables.
• Carry traveller’s cheques and credit cards rather than large sums of money and avoid counting money in the open.
• Try to explore together in a group and stick to well-lit busy streets, especially at night.

 On The Road:

 It is recommended that you: 

• Familiarise yourself with the rules of the road in South Africa.  Traffic drives on the left hand side of the road.
• Plan your route and fuel consumption in advance.  Note that bank credit cards (including Diners cards) are not accepted as payment for fuel.
• Call your hotel in case you get lost.
• Keep the car doors locked at all times and wind the windows up.
• Lock valuable items in the boot (trunk).
• At night, Park in well lit areas.
• Never pick up strangers.
• Go to the nearest business or petrol station to ask for assistance if you get lost.  Do not stop on highways.
• Pay special attention to speed limits, road signs and road markings.
• It is an offence in South Africa for the driver of a vehicle to use any communication device while driving except when it is a hands free device.
• It is compulsory to carry translations with regard to drivers licenses in foreign languages.

Note:  fines for a traffic violations may only be paid at a Magistrate’s Court or Traffic Department or nearest police station where an official receipt will be issued.  If you are issued with a citation for any traffic violation, you are not required to pay over any amount of cash directly to the Officer – this is considered bribery.

 In case of Emergency:

 If you have been victimized go to the nearest police station to repeat the matter.

Useful Phone Numbers:

National Tourism Information and Safety Line: 083 123 2345

Emergency Number (from a cell phone): 112

Police Emergency Number: 10111

Ambulance: 10177

The government of South Africa is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all tourists. The following policy guidelines shall apply:

1. undertake both short and long term actions and strategies to reduce crime and violence on tourists in collaboration with relevant organisations such as the South African Police Service
2. provide adequate information to visitors that will help to improve their safety and security
3. ensure that adequate resources are devoted to providing for the safety of tourists
4. institute appropriate legal procedures that would facilitate speedy and effective prosecution for cases where tourists are involved
5. coordinate cooperation among appropriate stakeholders to work together to ensure the safety and security of all tourists
6. carry out appropriate research concerning tourism security trends and monitor the effectiveness of safety and security measures

This Web site is maintained by Fernando.Camisani@eng.up.ac.za. Please mail us with recommendations.

Last updated: February 26, 2007 10:59:18