Be safe, while still having fun

14 December 2010

While Nelson Mandela Bay is rated as a safe holiday destination, tourists still needed to take the sensible precautions that they would in any other major city of the world, urged Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism CEO Mandlakazi Skefile.

“We are shocked and saddened by the disturbing news that a business woman was raped last week at Kings Beach. Our thoughts and prayers are with her.

“While we don’t want tourists and residents to be put off from going to the beachfront because of this terrible incident, we do implore people to be cautious, especially at night, and to avoid isolated areas completely, during the night or day. If you are out at night, please make sure you are in a group. And always let someone know your plans for the day or night,” said Skefile.

Skefile said the city’s police had given their assurance that they would increase their vigilance as well as police numbers along the beachfront during the holiday season.

“The police have also confirmed that a specialised mounted police unit will patrol the beachfront area from the harbour southwards,” said Skefile

As the city’s tourism agency, Skefile said the negative impact that violent crime had on tourism was deeply concerning.

“Not only are victims and their families lives shattered, but with tourism being one of the world’s biggest industries, countries or cities which are perceived to be dangerous to visit, loose out. World Travel Market Chairman Fiona Jeffery said this year that tourism created 30 per cent of the world’s export of services, generating a staggering $944 billion and providing jobs, investment, poverty reduction, skills training, education and much more.

“We simply cannot afford to loose out on tourism because of the massive economic impact it can have, helping to improve people’s lives and reduce poverty, and in so doing also help people out of desperate situations which often lead them to commit crime in the first place.

“Increased tourism was the ultimate goal that South Africa aimed for when hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Therefore, combating crime and educating people on safety simply has to be one of our first priorities,” said Skefile.

Titus Chuene, NMBT’s Marketing Manager said if tourists adhered to basic common-sense precautions, a holiday in the city would be a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

“Visitors can collect one of our safety and security brochures at one of our Visitor Information Centres at the airport, Donkin Reserve in Central, Boardwalk or in Uitenhage or look at our website for safety tips on www.nmbt.co.za,” said Chuene.

NMBT said visitors could be assured that the city offered round the clock emergency services such as auto repairs, sea rescue, ambulances, police and hospitals.
The city also has a network of phones that can be used for emergency calls. Most highways provide free of charge SOS phones at specific distances next to the road. All public phone booths display a listing of emergency numbers while all cell phones have specific emergency numbers that can be dialled 24-hours– these numbers will be provided when hiring a phone.

NMBT offered these tips for visitors and residents:

Do not walk alone on secluded beaches, in the streets or other secluded areas, especially at dusk and after dark.

Always lock your car when driving around.

Keep your hotel or accommodation facility’s door locked at all times.

If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice.

Avoid, where possible, carrying large sums of cash and other valuables around, e.g. cameras, video cameras, etc.

Never leave luggage unattended.

At night, park in a secure, well-lit area.

Uniformed parking attendants will safeguard your car for a tip (small fee).

Lock valuables in your car boot, where they are not visible.

Let someone know when you are expected to return if you are out late at night.

Don’t get into an elevator if you feel uncomfortable about others in, or, about to enter it.

Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings or recommended by your accommodation establishment. Beware of unmarked and unroadworthy taxis.

Never pick up hitchhikers and be cautious if people wave you down.

For any emergency, dial 10111 for the police.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS
AA Emergency Breakdown, tel: +27 (0) 83 843 22 or 083 THEAA / www.aa.co.za
Aids Counselling, tel: +27 (0) 41 453 2233
Aids Help Line, tel: +27 (0) 800 012 322
Alcoholics Anonymous Area Service, tel: +27 (0) 41 452 7328 or +27 (0) 861 435 722 E-mail: aape@interkom.co.za
Ambulance, tel: 10 177
Aviation Rescue, tel: +27 (0) 41 581 3585
Crimeline, SMS 32211 / www.crimeline.co.za
Disability Hot-Line: +27 (0) 82 290 3764 or +27 (0) 41 368 3707. E-mail: toni.webb@telkomsa.net
Fire Brigade, tel: +27 (0) 41 585 1555
Garmed Ambulance, tel: +27 (0) 41 373 6777
Netcare 911 Ambulance Service, tel: +27 (0) 82 911
Life Line (PE), tel: +27 (0) 41 373 8666 (Crisis Line)
National Sea Rescue Institute, tel: +27 (0) 41 585 6011
Police Flying Squad, tel: 10 111
Port Elizabeth Weather Office, tel: +27 (0) 82 231 1624 / www.weathersa.co.za

MEDICAL MATTERS
District Surgeon: Dora Nginza Hospital, Nurses’ Residence, Uitenhage Road. Tel: + 27 (0) 41 464 0600.

Hospitals:
Dora Nginza Hospital - Spondo Rd, Zwide, tel: +27 (0) 41 406 4111
Netcare Greenacres Hospital - Ring Road, Greenacres, tel: + 27 (0) 41 390 7120 / 390 7298
Livingstone Hospital - Standford Road, Korsten, tel: +27 (0) 41 405 9111
Mercantile Private Hospital - Durban Road, Korsten, tel: +27 (0) 41 401 2700
Provincial Hospital - Gipson Street, Mount Croix, tel: +27 (0) 41 392 3911
St George’s Hospital - Park Drive, Central, tel: +27 (0) 41 392 6111

Medical Services: Visitors are responsible for their own medical needs and should obtain medical insurance prior to their arrival. Doctors are listed under "Medical" in the Telephone Directory.
National Renal Care: Dialysis, (Peritoneal, Chronic Haemodialysis, Acute Haemodialysis - Hospitals). 223 Cape Rd, Greenacres, tel: +27 (0) 41 374 5562 / 374 9688, 24hr call phone +27 (0) 79 667 2478 / www.nrc.co.za
Travel Clinic: Netcare Travel Clinic makes health facilities more accessible to travellers. The Clinic provides travellers with information, advice and health vaccination service. Medicross Healthcare Group, 17 Ave., Walmer, Tel: +27 41 395 7512 / www.travelclinic.co.za

Nationally, the Tourism Safety Initiative - the anti-crime initiative for the tourism industry - helps people dealing with tourist-related crime. For more information contact www.satsa.com/tsi or call 0861 874 911

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