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“Unacceptable and indefensible.” This was how Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, described the incident in which a group of 40 German travel agents were forcibly robbed of their belongings in Khayelithsa, Cape Town, yesterday afternoon.

“Let me be very clear on this point – there can be no double-talk and no excuses for an occurrence like this,” said the Minister. “Crime against any person is deplorable, but crimes against tourists affect not only the victims but every community in South Africa. When a tourist is robbed it is not just a German, or an American, or a Ghanaian who suffers – it is a crime against our own future. Communities in desperate need of tourism revenue are robbed of that benefit when a single incident becomes a reason for tourists to stay away. We will continue to do everything in our power to prevent such crimes – but ultimately it falls also on our communities to make life intolerable for those who are known to be criminals.”

Speaking about the reaction of the Western Cape and Cape Town Routes Unlimited tourism authorities to the incident, the Minister said: “I think that the best is being made of a truly unfortunate situation. The speed with which the police, provincial and local tourism authorities have responded is greatly commendable – and underscores the quality of the support systems available to tourists. We are also pleased that the Western Cape tourism safety and security programme for the 2005/6 Festive Season, which was launched by MEC Lynne Brown on Monday, will address a number of these issues, and further bolster the security of our visitors.”

“South Africa remains one of the most affordable, enjoyable and attractive tourism destinations in the World,” said the Minister. “This incident will only strengthen our resolve to deploy even more resources and manpower to address crime affecting South Africans and tourists alike.”

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