Be Safe in the Cape
The Western Cape has over 50 000 km of routes to cycle and 20 Blue Flag beaches, making it one of the most desirable places to explore and experience, but like many other destinations in the world, Cape Town and the Western Cape have areas that are grabbling with the impact of crime.
Keeping citizens and visitors to Cape Town and the Western Cape safe is a top priority for the Western Cape Government. Should you be the unfortunate victim of crime, there is a team to assist you.
Tourism Safety Support Programmes
The safety of visitors to any destination is complex and has many dimensions with a wide range of components. Safety and security in tourism have moved from a passive approach to now being an active part of a region’s destination management plan and keeping citizens and visitors to Cape Town and the Western Cape safe is a top priority for the region and the Western Cape Government.
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) and Cape Town Tourism run tourism support programmes that aid visitors who may be in distress during their stay in Cape Town and the Western Cape. Should you be the unfortunate victim of crime, the team can assist with replacing lost documents, facilitating victim support, assistance in providing emergency accommodation and transfers, assist in laying a charge with SAPs, help with the changing of itineraries and contacting the banks in the event of bank card fraud.
Here are some helpful numbers you can call if needing assistance, and which area they cover.
Cape Town Tourism Band-Aid Programme:
Area: Cape Town
Call: 021 487 6552 / 0861 3222 23
DEDAT Tourism Safety and Support Programme:
Area: Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Cape West Coast and Cape Overberg:
Call: 072 447 1504 or 082 554 2010
Garden Route and Klein Karoo:
Area: Garden Route and Klein Karoo
Call: 082 972 2507
Public Emergency Communication Centre (24-hour call centre):
Area: South Africa
Call 107 (landline) and 021 480 7700 (from a cellphone)
Download our safety brochure here.