Beware Table Mountain!
2007-02-12 23:21
Anesca Smith and Eugene Gunning
Cape Town - Beware Table Mountain and Sea Point. Don't travel on the Shosholoza Mail. And, in Johannesburg, steer clear of Hillbrow.
That's what foreign governments are telling citizens wanting to travel to South Africa.
Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa admitted on Monday that the government was concerned that crime could deter prospective tourists in the run-up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Sheryl Ozinsky, executive chief of Cape Town Routes Unlimited, said crime alerts such as this should be taken extremely seriously.
"We must be pro-active in the tourism industry, and we must tell people what's being done to ensure their safety."
Mphalwa said it was definitely worrying, from an economic point of view.
"Perceptions of crime are definitely going to influence people's behaviour and they might, even at this early stage, decide not to come here in 2010."
He said the safety of tourists enjoyed special attention in the government's crime strategy.
Avoid minibus-taxis, French told
The crime alerts on various websites afford interesting insights on how the outside world sees crime in South Africa.
The French say don't open hotel doors for anyone except staff; sleep with your doors locked and be careful when using ATMs.
And, avoid minibus taxis.
In Johannesburg, avoid Hillbrow, Berea and Yeoville.
The United States warns that there is considerable street crime such as robberies and pick-pocketing.
Britain says South Africa has a high crime level that includes murder and rape. In Johannesburg, the advice is: steer clear of Berea and Hillbrow.
Visitors are also warned to take care on routes in and out of the Kruger National Park, where there have been hijackings.
Table Mountain
Cape Town's famous landmark is singled out for a mention, with a warning that there have been attacks on the mountain - some of them violent.
Canada has a warning for its citizens when leaving OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg: take great care.
Australia warns its citizens to be vigilant against high crime levels, including hijacking, theft... and ever-present pickpockets.
- Die Burger