TKZN ceo addresses safety and security issues

ONE of the challenges facing KwaZulu Natal (KZN) is dealing with perceptions and realities regarding safety and security in the province, according to Miller Matola, ceo of Tourism KwaZulu Natal (TKZN). “While TKZN, as a provincial tourism authority, cannot control or manage safety and security, the tourism industry has a vested interest because of the impact it has on our destination’s image and growth potential,” said Matola. He added: “TKZN does not underestimate the damaging effect crime will have on tourism in our province as negative perceptions of the destination or any part thereof will set back any marketing efforts undertaken by all roleplayers in the industry.” TKZN currently conducts provincial tourism awareness roadshows to rural and urban communities, part of which is aimed at raising awareness about the adverse effect crime has on tourism. The organisation is also an active participant in the Provincial Priority Committee (PPC) on Rural Safety and Tourism, which includes other stakeholders such as the department of land affairs; the South African National Defence Force; the department of justice and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. TKZN also initiated an ‘After Care’ programme for tourism victims of crime, which provides counselling and support. Matola added that KZN MEC for arts, culture and tourism, Narend Singh, has announced several initiatives to address the issue of safety and security and tourism in the province, while the MEC for safety and security in the province, Bheki Cele and eThekwini City Manager, Mike Sutcliffe also intend to boost efforts to fight crime in KZN. (Lucy Siebert)