A new cohort of Tourism Safety Officers has graduated in Nelson Mandela Bay as part of efforts to strengthen visitor safety and improve confidence in the destination.
They will be deployed across key tourism nodes, including the beachfront, where they will work alongside law enforcement agencies to improve visibility, deter crime and enhance the visitor experience.
The officers are the latest to complete training through the Nelson Mandela Bay Coastal Tourism Policing Initiative, a partnership between the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Mandela Bay Development Agency, Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), South African Police Service, Metro Police and local tourism stakeholders.
The programme includes training in peace officer functions, visitor assistance, incident response and law enforcement coordination. It also provides patrol officers with vehicles, communication equipment and structured coordination systems.
Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe said: “The graduation of these Tourism Safety Officers is a significant step in strengthening safety across our tourism precincts while creating opportunities for young people. When visitors feel safe, businesses grow, investment follows and communities benefit. This partnership shows what can be achieved when government, law enforcement and the private sector work together to build a safer and more welcoming Nelson Mandela Bay.”
TBCSA CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa added: “Through the TOMSA Collaborative Fund, tourism businesses are investing directly in initiatives that make destinations safer and more competitive. These officers are a tangible example of that investment at work. Safety is not only a public-sector responsibility; it is a tourism imperative. This partnership reflects the industry’s commitment to creating environments where visitors can explore with confidence and local tourism businesses can thrive.”
