The private sector in South Africa’s tourism industry has donated R4.3 million (about US$254,558) to support safety along Durban’s coastline. This initiative, reported on 8 April 2026, channels funds through the TOMSA Collaborative Fund (supported by FEDHASA and the Tourism Business Council of South Africa – TBCSA) to equip eThekwini’s Coastal and Tourism Policing Unit (part of the Metro Police Directorate).
What Was Donated
The donation includes:
- One Toyota Quantum 14-seater
- Two Isuzu double-cab vehicles
- Six quad bikes
- Two trailers
- Uniforms and related gear
These assets aim to improve mobility, visibility, response times, and coverage for policing the roughly 100km Durban coastline (from Westbrook in the north to uMgababa/uMkhomazi in the south). The focus is on better law enforcement, deterrence, and a safer experience for both residents and visitors in beachfront and key tourism areas.
Key Statements
- Brett Tungay, National Chair of FEDHASA: Emphasized that the coastline is a major asset and that visitors must feel safe. He noted the donation builds on existing efforts by Durban Metro and SAPS rather than replacing them, enabling faster responses and a stronger visible presence.
- Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of TBCSA: Highlighted that safety perceptions linked to crime are a ongoing national challenge. He described the move as coordinated action that boosts traveller confidence and shows how the private sector can contribute to safety outcomes, helping position Durban more competitively.
- Gugu Sisilana, eThekwini Municipality’s Deputy Head of Marketing and Communications: Stressed that negative perceptions of unsafety are often driven by misinformation. She pointed to the city’s multi-layered tourism safety strategy, including specialised resources and trained officers, and linked the donation to broader investments like a R1 billion beachfront amusement park and hotel redevelopments.
Background and Context
Durban (in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal) has faced challenges with crime perceptions, past incidents (including the 2021 unrest), water/sewage issues, and negative publicity that have impacted tourism. However, recent reports note only a handful of tourism-related incidents since December 2024, and authorities (including Mayor Cyril Xaba) have stressed using designated beaches while ramping up collaboration with SAPS and private security.
This private-sector support fits into wider national efforts via the Tourism Safety Forum and public-private partnerships to address safety in tourist areas, even as South Africa records strong overall tourism growth (with Durban seeing improved hotel occupancy in some reports). Similar collaborations have occurred elsewhere, such as extra security for festive seasons or around other hotspots.
The donation is welcomed as a partnership that saves municipal costs and signals confidence in Durban’s tourism potential, aiming to drive visitor numbers, jobs, and economic growth. Local councillors have also praised it, calling for proper maintenance and use of the equipment solely for its intended purpose.
In short, this is a practical example of industry stepping up to tackle a key barrier—safety perceptions—through targeted, visible support for policing. It complements government efforts and ongoing infrastructure projects in the city.
