The tides of misinformation swirling around South Africa’s safety have been met with an unwavering wave of support from the nation’s tourism bodies, rallying behind President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation following recent discussions at the White House with President Donald Trump.
This diplomatic dialogue, aimed at mending the strain in South Africa-US relations, revolved significantly around perceptions of violence and crime in the country, particularly the contentious narrative of an alleged ongoing white genocide.
At the heart of this discourse was South African billionaire Johann Rupert, who, during the conversation with Trump, candidly spoke about crime levels, saying: “The crime is terrible, sir, but Mr Steenhuisen won’t admit to it; he runs the Western Cape where I live. The highest murder rate is in the Cape Flats.”
Rupert’s comments cast a spotlight on the complexities of crime in South Africa, setting the stage for broader reflections from the tourism industry.
The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (Satsa) swiftly responded to the dialogue, declaring that much of the media coverage around these issues had leaned toward sensationalism, overshadowing the real experiences of travellers.
“South Africa isn’t perfect. Like every country, we face challenges. But what we don’t have is a crisis that justifies global panic or distorted narratives,” said Satsa CEO David Frost.
He continued, “What we do have is millions of tourists arriving safely every year and leaving with stories that have nothing to do with fear and everything to do with awe.”
For travellers, incidents of violence remain exceedingly rare, and Frost’s assertions are backed by statistical data showing that despite crime concerns, visitor satisfaction levels are notably high across key source markets.
US arrivals surged to 372 362 in 2024, recovering to 100% of 2019 levels amidst a backdrop of continuous and strong travel demand from North America.
To further bolster confidence, major tourism destinations in South Africa continue to operate smoothly, supported by robust public-private safety initiatives.
“We don’t pretend crime doesn’t exist,” Frost clarified. “But context matters. The suggestion that tourists are at significant risk is dangerous misinformation that serves political agendas rather than public interest.”
Recognising the delicate narrative surrounding safety and tourism, Satsa urged international media outlets and global officials to engage responsibly when discussing intricate issues like land reform and national crime rates.
“This sector employs hundreds of thousands,” emphasised Frost.
“It puts food on tables from Soweto guesthouses right through to safari camps in Limpopo. And in South Africa, one tourism job typically supports up to seven people, meaning a single traveller’s decision has a ripple effect across entire households.”
The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) echoed these sentiments, reinforcing that the nation’s accommodations, restaurants, and hospitality venues consistently provide safe, welcoming environments for both domestic and international guests.
“Our hospitality industry upholds some of the highest service and security standards globally. From boutique guesthouses to international hotel brands, our members implement comprehensive security protocols that allow guests to relax and enjoy South Africa’s legendary hospitality with peace of mind,” stated Rosemary Anderson, Fedhasa’s National Chairperson.
While crime is certainly acknowledged as a national challenge, particularly in the context of global tourism, Anderson highlighted the efforts made by the hospitality industry: “We’ve built professionalism into every layer, from concierge desks knowing how to escalate concerns swiftly right through to housekeeping staff trained on guest wellbeing.”
As South Africa navigates its complex history en route to a shared future, the collective voices from the tourism sector advocate diligently for a nuanced understanding of the nation’s safety realities.
They call for personal experience to guide perceptions: “If you want honest answers about what travel here looks like today,” Frost encouraged, “ask someone who’s actually been, or better yet, come and see for yourself.”
