In an attempt to stop roadside bribery and the exortion of tourists by traffic officials, warning cards will be handed out to tourists by establishments and tour operators for the next three months. This initiative is spear-headed by the Hazyview Chamber of Business and Tourism (HCBT), who decided to act after receiving a large amount of complaints from tourists.
There have been reports of corrupt activity by traffic officials around Hazyview, Acornhoek, Bushbuckridge, Sabie (R537,R532) Hazyview and Graskop (R533 and R535), with the R40 between Hazyview and Hoedspruit being the biggest problem.
To help tourists with crime-related problems, the HCBT appointed the region’s first liason officer several months ago. He is based at the Hazyview Police Station. Chris Harvie of the HCBT stated that the appointment was a pioneering step but one that has paid dividends for tourism in the region from day one. “Hazyview is a much better place for it,” he remarked.
As a precaution against bribery and extortion, members of the HCBT agreed to inform their guests that it is illegal to pay cash to any official. As the word spread, tourists started reporting on their experiences and the HCBT realised that the corruption was widespread. As more and more cases were reported, the neccessity of a more concentrated campaign was highlighted.
It was then decided to print and distribute warning cards for tourists, with the support and funds of Kruger Lowveld Tourism. On the card, tourists are warned that it is illegal to pay cash to a traffic officer or other official on the roadside, that legitimate fines should be paid at a police station or magistrate’s court only and a receipt issued and road tolls only paid at official toll plazas. Tourists are also advised to present the card to the officer that stops them or to call the telephone number on it if they have any problems or doubts. Contact details of the police, establishment the guests are staying at or the car rental company are included on the card.
All inbound tour operators have also received an e-flyer with the same information, to insert into itinerary packs for self-drive visitors and give to coach drivers and guides.
HCBT and Kruger Lowveld Tourism will be distributing these cards through their member networks in Hazyview, Graskop, Sabie, Hoedspruit, the Timbavati and Sabi-Sand for the next three months. They believe that this will help reduce the amount of corruption on the roadside.
Any bribery or extortion attempts will immediately be reported to SAPS and the offending officers will be disciplined or dismissed, depending on their crimes.
The swift and efficient assistance from SAPS was praised by Lisa Sheard, Chairperson of Kruger Lowveld Tourism. In response to a request for aid, a senior SAPS member was dedicated to the initiative. “This also confirms that the authorities are taking tourist safety and security seriously,” she concluded.
The South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) has been kept up to speed during the whole progress, with CEO David Front calling the initiative “ground-breaking and a testament to the energy of the tourism industry!”
