Tourist safety and security a NMBT priority

28 October 2010

NELSON Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) is working with the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality to create a heightened safety and security awareness programme ahead of the summer season in the city – a popular tourist destination.

“Generally, as relaxing or adventurous experience, tourism is meant to be fun. But the reality is, with the delights can also come some dangers. Nelson Mandela Bay is aware both the positives and perils of visiting a new destination – and we want to educate tourists so they know exactly what to do and where to go in the event of a negative situation,” said Titus Chuene, marketing manager of the organisation.
“Although Nelson Mandela Bay is rated as a safe holiday destination, tourists should take the sensible precautions they would in any other major city of the world. If in need though, the municipality can provide all the necessary assistance available to be found in any first world country.”

Chuene said if tourists stick to some basic common-sense precautions, a holiday in the city should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. He offered some tips for visitors to Nelson Mandela Bay:

Never leave luggage unattended.
Do not stroll around the streets alone after dark.
Always lock your car when driving around.
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.
Take special precautions in secluded areas (including parks & gardens, nature reserves and walks/trails), especially at dusk and after dark.
Street children and beggars may approach one for a handout – social workers counsel against giving money.
At night, park in a secure, well-lit area.
Be aware that uniformed parking attendants will offer to safeguard ones car for a tip (small fee).
Do not leave valuable belongings in your car, rather lock everything in the boot where they are not visible.
For any emergency, dial 10111 for the police.

NMBT confirmed that the city offers round the clock emergency services such as auto repairs, sea rescue, ambulances, police and hospitals; and that a number of highly qualified and professional people live in the city and cater for more specific needs.

The city also has a network of phones that can be used for emergency calls. Most highways provide SOS phones at specific distances right next to the road – these phones are clearly marked and could be used, free of charge, for any emergency while on 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.

There are also national emergency numbers available for people who might need information and assistance on, for instance, HIV/Aids, child abuse, rape or suicide related incidents.

Nationally there is also the Tourism Safety Initiative which is the anti-crime initiative for the tourism industry and helps those dealing with a tourist-related crime. For more information contact www.satsa.com/tsi

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

Netcare Greenacres Hospital Emergency Unit, tel: +27 (0) 41 390 7120

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.

Author: Amy Shelver

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