MTPA launches Tourism Safety Campaign as protests raise travel concerns

By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe

In a bid to reassure visitors while acknowledging risks tied to public unrest, the MTPA(Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency), has rolled out a province-wide Tourism Safety Campaign to reinforce visitor confidence in the run-up to peak travel season.

Various stakeholders came together at Sanibonani Resort in Hazyview on Tuesday 30 June 2026 to attend and support the campaign.

The stakeholders in attendance include the MTPA Board, community members, private sector, traditional leaders, church leaders, taxi association and representatives from the tourism sector.

The initiative comes amid heightened attention on public demonstrations, including the national protest which is focused on illegal immigration in South Africa.

The nation-wide demonstrations led to road closures, traffic disruptions, and heightened police presence in some areas.

While the protest is one of several public gatherings taking place nationally, tourism stakeholders say any form of instability can affect travel decisions.

The MTPA campaign is reportedly targeting key tourism routes, airports, border entry points, and major attractions across Mpumalanga.

The aim is to reportedly apply increased visibility of tourism safety monitors, collaboration with SAPS(South African Police Service), and local law enforcement, visitor awareness materials, and direct engagement with accommodation and tour operators.

This campaign is reportedly about visible action, clear information, and coordination with law enforcement partners so that visitors feel secure from arrival to departure.

MTPA Interim Chairpeson of the Board, Fish Mahlalela, said tourists underpin growth of the sector. He added that the current situation in the country paints a bad picture to tourists who might be interested in visiting South Africa but concerned about their safety.

“ Instability can discourage tourists from visiting South Africa. This might compel tourists to consider other countries that are safe, non-violent, with no frequent protests, and there aren’t people being chased out of the country, mainly Africans, while we are also Africans.

“ The governemnt has the capacity to deal with people who are not in the country legally, find them and deport them back to their home countries, in line with the laws of the land,” said Mahlalela.

Caption: MTPA Executive Manager for Tourism(standing), alongside MTPA interim Chairperson of the Board, Fish Mahlalela(seated-left)

The launch of the Tourism Safety Campaign also highlighted that international travellers often plan months in advance and make decisions based on perceived safety and accessibility. Disruptions to transport routes or uncertainty around public order are viewed as some of the factors that can influence non-interest by tourists.

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