South Africa: Western Cape on significant contribution of Tourism Safety Officers during festive season – African Business

The Western Cape Government’s (WCGs) Tourism Safety Officers (TSOs) have been making a significant contribution to keeping visitors safe at the various holiday sites across the Cape.

The 19 TSOs began their operations on December 1, 2022. They are now working in partnership with SANparks Field Rangers. TSOs performed 9 rescues for tourists who were hurt while on their walks in December.

The officers are currently operating at various sites, and amongst others they include Lion’s Head, Platteklip Gorge, Signal Hill, Devils Peak, Deer Park, Rhodes Memorial Dam, Noon Gun, while also assisting at the Newlands and Oudekraal picnic sites.

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said; “We initiated the TSO programme to ensure that spaces which both local and international visitors frequent, are safe to enjoy.”

This was possible because of the officers’ increased visibility. We also wanted to provide employment opportunities for our Chrysalis students, which contributes significantly to safety in Cape Town, and our province.

“I’m particularly encouraged to note that the impeccable level of fitness, given that these are Chrysalis graduates, has been an advantage when the TSOs had to navigate the mountain slopes.”

To date, the TSO programme has had a budget spend of over R 423 000. The officers will be in service until February 2023.   

Western Cape Minister for Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger said; “Our Tourism Safety Officers are an important part of not only keeping visitors to key attractions in and around Cape Town safe, but also to provide useful information and guidance. These officers ensure that all visitors, whether they are locals or internationals, can enjoy this incredible city without any problems.

This is an important task and helps to ensure that they come back again and again and contribute to moving beyond tourism recovery, to growth and on to significant expansion that can create even more jobs for the citizens of the Western Cape.”

“The continued development and empowerment of these TSOs are important. It not only ensures that they are ready to serve as safety officers, but should further employment prospects arise, they would also be able to immediately take advantage of those opportunities,” concluded Minister Reagen Allen. 

Distributed by APO Group for Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety in South Africa.