New Tourism Safety Officers Hit Nelson Mandela Bay’s Beachfront as Industry Steps Up Visitor Protection

Press Release by Tourism Business Council of South Africa, 18 June 2026

Nelson Mandela Bay has graduated a new cohort of Tourism Safety Officers in a move aimed at strengthening visitor safety and reinforcing confidence in the city as a 
tourism destination.

The officers are the latest to come through the Nelson Mandela Bay Coastal Tourism Policing Initiative, a partnership between the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality,  Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), SAPS, Metro Police and local tourism stakeholders.

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 programme includes training in peace officer functions, visitor assistance, incident response and law enforcement coordination. On the ground, it translates into trained patrol officers, vehicles, communication equipment and structured coordination systems funded through a partnership between TBCSA, via the TOMSA  Collaborative Fund, and the MBDA.

Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, described the graduation as an important milestone in positioning the city as a safe and welcoming 
destination for visitors.

“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,” said Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe.

For TBCSA CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, the initiative demonstrates the value of industry-led investment in tourism safety.

 

“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.”

 

Tourism remains a key economic driver for both Nelson Mandela Bay and South Africa, supporting jobs, businesses and investment. The graduation forms part of the 
city’s broader Tourism Safety Plan, which seeks to improve safety across tourism hotspots while supporting economic growth and destination competitiveness.

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For more information contact: media@tbcsa.travel