Durban metro has launched its first-of-its-kind dedicated coastal and Tourism Division which will be under Durban Metro Police at the beachfront. The city’s goal is to boost beach front safety. Launched by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) in partnership with eThekwini Municipality and the Department of tourism, the Beach Safety Initiative unveiling coincided with the ongoing Africa’s Travel Indaba.
Municipal spokesperson Mandla Nsele said the TBCSA, funded by the Tourism Marketing SA Collaborative Fund, handed over resources, including a 14-seater kombi, five bakkies, six quad bikes, two trailers, and staff uniforms for use by the division
“The team will be strategically deployed within key tourism hotspots along Durban’s coastline,” said (Municipal spokesperson Mandla) Nsele. “Furthermore, the vehicles are equipped with advanced technology linked to Department of Home Affairs and other critical departments often utilised by tourists.” The Beachfront Safety Initiative, driven by the eThekwini Presidential Working Group, seeks to enhance visitor confidence and improve the overall tourism experience by increasing visible policing, co-ordinated safety patrols, emergency response readiness, and stakeholder collaboration. Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Tourism Makhotso Sotyu emphasised the importance of prioritising tourist safety as South Africa continues to position itself as a globally competitive tourism destination.
eThekwini region’s beaches are to undergo a massive surveillance operation. The main goal of this division’s creation is to generate employment and alleviate poverty. The transition to improve surveillance through advance technology is meant create a safe environment on the beaches. In terms of economics the new security divisions raises the beaches’ commercial profile. The new technological improvements form part of the city’s integration of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) into its infrastructure. This will hopefully lead to better progress in service delivery for residents. The creation of the new technology will be an instrument in security. The technology’s future will depend on whether it can lead to a decline in crime such as theft and murder.
A factory in Clairwood experienced a severe blaze in the south of Durban on Tuesday.
ALS Paramedics Firefighters were battling of a massive factory fire in Clairwood, south of Durban, on Tuesday. It is believed the building houses a waste management solutions company. Garrith Jamieson from ALS Paramedics says the eThekwini Fire has put the flames out but are still dampening down hot spots. “At this stage, no injuries have been reported. However, ALS paramedics are on standby on the scene should any injuries be reported. Dayal Road has been closed in both directions to allow emergency personnel to work. “I would advise all motorists to avoid this area at all costs. SAPS from Brighton Beach is in attendance and will be investigating further.”
The fire can be attributed to negligence and the overall heat. The fire could have been an industrial accident on the part of the factory’s owners and management. A blaze such as this would warrant an investigation. eThekwini fire department was able to put out the fire before it spread to other parts of the area. The good news is there were no deaths and no one suffered major injuries. The factory management was able to evacuate its employees in time. The end result being fire hazard regulations should have followed. An Investigation into the cause by the SAPS will commence. Safety regulations and standards at the factory have to be examined.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
