The Tourism Business Council of South Africa CEO, Tshifiwa Tshivenga, during the handover of equipment and vehicles to Durban's metro police, amid Africa's Travel Indaba being hosted in the city.
Image: SUPPLIED
TheTourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) officially handed over newly branded vehicles, quad bikes and uniforms to the eThekwini Metropolitan Police at the Durban Promenade, on Tuesday.
The handover was led by TBCSA Chairman Jerry Mabena and Chief Executive Officer Tshifiwa Tshivenga. The initiative was funded through the Collaborative Fund, supported by the Tourism Marketing South Africa (TOMSA) levy, and facilitated by FEDHASA.
The event formed part of activities during Africa’s Travel Indaba, which ended on Thursday.
It was attended by Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, Deputy Minister of Tourism Makhotso Sotyu, and eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, alongside senior tourism officials, industry stakeholders, and representatives from major hotel groups, including City Lodge Hotels Chief Operating Officer Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo.
“Tourism is built on experience. And experience begins with feeling welcomed, comfortable, and safe,” said Deputy Minister Sotyu at the event.
She added: “This initiative contributes to establishing a more coordinated Tourism and Coastal Safety Unit that will support visible policing and rapid-response capabilities in key tourism areas, including beachfronts and surrounding visitor zones.”
Some of the vehicles donated by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa CEO, to Durban's metro police, during Africa's Travel Indaba 2026.
Image: SUPPLIED
The handover marks the next phase in ongoing collaboration between the private sector, law enforcement, tourism agencies, stakeholders, and local government. It also represents a further milestone in the “Take the Lead Tourism” initiative, which began in December 2024 and includes participation from City Lodge Hotels.
Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo noted: “The guest’s experience is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of which hotel they’re staying at, and we are delighted with the results of the collaborative efforts of local, provincial and national government, as well as industry organisations and businesses like us invested in tourism safety.”
Durban and its surrounds remain one of South Africa’s iconic tourism destinations, offering a wide range of beaches, hospitality, cultural heritage and lifestyle attractions that draw both local and international visitors.
With seven hotels in the province — City Lodge Hotel Durban, Road Lodge Durban, City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge, Town Lodge Umhlanga, Road Lodge Umhlanga Ridge, Road Lodge Pietermaritzburg and Road Lodge Richards Bay — the group is well positioned to play an important role in guest safety and satisfaction across the region.
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