Mathew Nyaungwa
Editor-in-Chief of the African Bureau 
In spite of his earnest efforts to appeal to the much-needed tourists in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced downturn, crimes committed against tourists threaten to undermine everything that has been accomplished to enhance the nation's tourism industry.
A cursory examination of local news articles reveals that tourists have recently been targeted by criminals. An American tourist was shot and injured in Nyanga, a Cape Town township notorious for being a place infested by criminals. A British surgeon was shot and killed in Nyanga after deviating from the main road, which was closed due to a taxi strike and ended up in the slum area.
Patricia de Lille, the minister of tourism for South Africa, reacted with horror and grief to the fatal shooting of the British tourist. “I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the tourist who was killed in this incident, and I plead with the law enforcement agencies to find the perpetrators of this violent crime as soon as possible,” said the minister. “This criminal behaviour goes against the overall spirit and nature of South Africans who are generally warm and welcoming.”
Last May, De Lille convened a meeting with key stakeholders, such as the SA Township and Village Tourism Organisation (SATOVITO) and the National Prosecuting Authority, to deliberate on the hazards associated with tourism and identify necessary actions to enhance safety in the industry.
She stated at the time, “As government, we want to form partnerships with the private sector to address this, including deploying more safety tourism monitors, to key tourist sites and using technology to improve tourism safety.” The minister said that the formation of the National Tourism Safety Forum (NTSF) to coordinate integrated safety response mechanisms for tourists in distress was approved by stakeholders. The objective of the South African tourism sector is to augment the number of visitors to 15.6 million over the course of the following decade.
This may become unattainable if South Africa does not effectively address the issue of criminality targeting tourists.
A travel advisory to South Africa was issued by the United Kingdom in response to the murder of the British tourist in Cape Town. “There is a high crime rate, including carjacking, ‘smash and grab’ attacks on vehicles house robbery, rape, sexual assault and murder,” reads the advisory.
“Violent crime can take place anywhere, including in tourist destinations and transport hubs. Most violent crimes occur in townships on the outskirts of major cities or in isolated areas. The threat is higher in central business districts of major cities than in suburban areas, and increases after dark.
“The risk of violent crime to visitors in the main tourist cities is generally low. There is usually additional security personnel in the main tourist areas who can assist tourists. However, policing and security can be limited, so always remain vigilant.”
South Africa is in competition with nations characterised by lower levels of criminal activity. In the end, tourists will choose to visit countries such as Botswana, Kenya, and Namibia, where incidents of violence targeting tourists are rarely documented.
It becomes increasingly difficult to market the country as a secure tourism destination in the absence of a serious fight against crime.
