Issued by: Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
MEDIA RELEASE
Dr. Z. Pallo Jordan, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, regrets the incident which took place on 11/02/98, where two Pakistani cricket team members were mugged in Sandton, leading to the postponement of the test match.
Minister Jordan said that the safety of tourists is of major concern to him and is receiving ongoing attention from his department in collaboration with the safety and security forces in SA, tourism service providers and the business sector.
Particular attention is given to areas known to have a high crime rate against tourists. It is therefore very unfortunate that the incident took place in Sandton, as this is generally a safe area.
The Minister and his department would like to urge the private and public sector to intensify efforts to implement a sectoral approach to ensure the safety of tourists visiting South Africa. Organisations hosting international events should ensure that adequate security measures are provided to visitors to SA, as tourists are generally seen as "soft targets" to criminal elements around the world. Dr. Jordan also urges foreign visitors to seek advise from their hotels or tourist information centres, on the safest possible routes and means of transport to be used.
For more information please contact Cassandra Gabriel, Public Relations Officer - Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. Cell: 082 573 4168.