Cape Town - Security Tips for Tourists

The Famous Tablecloth over Table Mountain
View from Blouberg Beach.

Cape Town is an exciting, vibrant and cosmopolitan city and a tourist mecca.

It is a must see destination and you will not be disappointed.

However, as with most cities in the world, opportunist/petty crime can be a problem

This has nothing to do with poverty, it is everything to do with morals and integrity.
The criminals are extremely well dressed and very fast, especially with bag snatching.

So please take care, especially during really busy periods.

The modus operandi with stolen cell phones works like this:
You call your own stolen cell phone
Somebody answers claiming to have "found" it and offers to meet in one of the townships provided that you bring cash. The price ranges from R1000.00 upwards.
For your own safety do not fall for this.

Enjoy the city but leave all valuables in the hotel safe or make sure handbags are securely held.

So many people blame crime on poverty in South Africa.
This is not the case - it's a "job" or "career" and a very lucrative one!!

Travelling anywhere in the world one needs to be vigilant with valuables.

So please take care and enjoy your stay in our beautiful Mother City

Exracts below adapted via Courtesy of Cape Town Tourism

Security tips

·        Avoid carrying large sums of cash, carrying cameras or video cameras in plain sight and leaving belongings unattended.

·        Heed the advice of your hosts, Cape Town Tourism Visitor Centre staff or locals on where to go after dark. Try not to walk alone.

·        Do not allow strangers to assist you in any way at ATMs.

·        Street children and beggars may approach you for a handout. Many social workers counsel against giving money to the children as it usually gets handed over to an older person or is used to purchase drugs.

·        At night, park in a secure, well-lit area.

To report any safety incident, phone the following numbers:

·        All emergencies from your cell phone – 112

·        All emergencies from a landline – 107

·        South African Police Services (SAPS) – 10111

Cape Town Tourism in partnership with Protection and Emergency Services run a successful Visitor Support Programme to assist you further, should you be involved in an incident. For more information, contact:
+27 21 487 6800

Safety Table Mountain National Park

·        Cape Town Tourism recommends the use of a qualified mountain guide should you wish to explore Table Mountain National Park on foot. Alternatively, make sure you take a Table Mountain map, comfortable walking shoes, a few friends and a charged cell phone (mobile).

·        Make sure you are also prepared for weather that can change rapidly; bring sunblock and something warm to wear.

·        Start heading back well before dark and keep to demarcated paths.

·        Save the following emergency number on your cell phone before you begin your hike: +27 861 106 417.

·        To book a guide, phone the Contact Centre on 0861 322 223.

South African Travel Safety Tips

Safety Tips 101 - What to do and what not to do


Safety has become an important issue throughout the world. The Tourism Safety Task Group of South Africa has compiled the following tips for tourists and migrants who come to the country:

At a hotel:
 
Never leave your luggage unattended

• Store valuables in the hotel’s safety deposit box
• Keep your room locked, whether you’re in it or not
• If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door

 In the street:

Avoid ostentatious displays of expensive jewelry, cameras and other valuables

• It’s definitely not advisable to carry large sums of money around 
• At night, steer clear of dark, isolated areas
• It’s better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets
• Plan your route beforehand
• A policeman or traffic officer will be glad to direct you if you get lost
• If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable service

In a car:

• Plan your route in advance
• Keep the car doors locked at all times and wind the windows up
• Lock valuable items in the boot (trunk)
• At night, park in well-lit areas
• Never pick up strangers
• If in doubt about the safety of an area, ask the hotel or guest house Manager.

In general we advise people to carry a reliable map with them at all times and to keep a certified copy of passports and other important documentation such as flight tickets in a safe place such as a bank or hotel's safety deposit box.

Leave your valuables at home, your luggage may be opened and your valuables missing from your bags when you collect your luggage from the check out area.

• Do not wear expensive jewellery.
• Do not allow yourself to be separated from your hand luggage.
• Laptops, camera’s, mobile phones and handbags are targeted items.
• Do not allow yourself to be distracted by one person while another person runs off with your possessions.

If you are hiring a car and intend driving from the airport be sure you know the exact route you should take so that you need not stop to ask for directions making yourself vulnerable and an easy hijack target.

Avoid walking in deserted areas on your own during the day and particularly at night.

South Africa is not the only country where the above list applies, it applies to many destinations and innocent tourists are caught up in unpleasant situations because they are not vigilant and do not apply wisdom because they are “on holiday” and in a carefree mood.

Please also avoid giving money to beggars; you are more likely to lose your whole wallet in this type of situation.

Bo-Kaap - a Must See in Cape Town

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

Nelson Mandela - 18/07/1918 - 05/12/2013, South Africa

Moullie Point Lighthouse, Cape Town

"May Mandela's light forever shine down on the South African people" Judelle Drake

Tribute to Nelson Mandela - 1918 - 2013

Today, 06/12/2013 is a sad day for all South Africans
Our beloved Nelson Mandela, died last night 05/12/2013 aged 95 after a long illness.

As an ordinary South African citizen, I never had the privilege of meeting this icon of our times
However, Nelson's personality, charm, leadership qualities, love of people and great statesmanship shone through always, whenever he appeared on TV.

I just loved that unique voice, those colourful shirts that have become such a trademark that vendors make a living selling them, the joy on Nelson's face at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, his love for all South African sports, his gentleness with children and his quest for a better life for all in South Africa. A truly unique man who became an icon in his lifetime.

South Africa still has many problems to contend with politically but we hope that Nelson's spirit and example will live on as an example in the people of our beloved South Africa.

Some of Nelson Mandela's quotes below:

Unlike some politicians, I can admit to a mistake.

"If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness."
If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness.

I am confident that nobody... will accuse me of selfishness if I ask to spend time, while I am still in good health, with my family, my friends and also with myself.

I was not a messiah, but an ordinary man who had become a leader because of extraordinary circumstances.

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/nelson_mandela_2.html#GJZYQfJlVihfdtcM.99

The following history is courtesy of "News 24" 6/12/2013

Johannesburg - Nelson Mandela, the revered icon of the anti-apartheid struggle and one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, has died aged 95.

Mandela, who was elected South Africa's first black president after spending nearly three decades in prison, had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state.

His condition deteriorated and he died following complications from the lung infection, with his family by his side.

Announcement

The news was announced by a clearly emotional President Jacob Zuma live on television, who said Mandela had "departed" and was at peace.

"Our nation has lost its greatest son," said Zuma.

"What made Nelson Mandela great is precisely what made him human," he said.

Mandela, once a boxer, had a long history of lung problems after contracting tuberculosis while in jail on Robben Island.

His extraordinary life story, quirky sense of humour and lack of bitterness towards his former oppressors ensured global appeal for the charismatic leader.

Once considered a terrorist by the United States and Britain for his support of violence against the apartheid regime, at the time of his death he was an almost unimpeachable moral icon.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner spent 27 years behind bars before being freed in 1990 to lead the African National Congress (ANC) in negotiations with the white minority rulers which culminated in the first multi-racial elections in 1994.

A victorious Mandela served a single term as president before taking up a new role as a roving elder statesman and leading Aids campaigner before finally retiring from public life in 2004.

 "When he emerged from prison people discovered that he was all the things they had hoped for and more," fellow Nobel Peace laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said.

"He is by far the most admired and revered statesperson in the world and one of the greatest human beings to walk this earth."

From prisoner to global peace icon

He was a global cause celebre during the long apartheid years, and popular pressure led world leaders to tighten sanctions imposed on the apartheid regime.

In 1988 at a concert in Wembley stadium in London, tens of thousands sang "Free Nelson Mandela" as millions more watched on their television sets across the world.

Born in July 1918 in the southeastern Transkei region, Mandela carved out a career as a lawyer in Johannesburg in parallel with his political activism.

He became commander-in-chief of Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), the armed wing of the by now-banned ANC, in 1961, and the following year underwent military training in Algeria and Ethiopia.

While underground back home in South Africa, Mandela was captured by police in 1962 and sentenced to five years in prison.

He was then charged with sabotage and sentenced in 1964 to life in prison at the Rivonia trial, named after a Johannesburg suburb where a number of ANC leaders were arrested.

He used the court hearing to deliver a speech that was to become the manifesto of the anti-apartheid movement.

"During my lifetime, I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society.

"It is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

He was first sent to prison on Robben Island, where he spent 18 years before being transferred in 1982 to Pollsmoor prison in Cape Town and later to Victor Verster prison in nearby Paarl.

When he was finally released on 11 February 1990, walking out of prison with his fist raised alongside his then-wife Winnie.

Ex-prisoner 46664 was entrusted with the task of negotiating the path to democracy with president FW de Klerk.

Mandela and de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for their role in the ending of apartheid.

After the ANC won the first multi-racial elections, Mandela went out of his way to assuage the fears of the white minority, declaring his intention to establish "a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world."

Critics said his five-year presidency was marred by corruption and rising levels of crime. But his successors, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma, have never enjoyed anywhere near the same levels of respect or affection.

In retirement, he focused his efforts on mediating conflicts, most notably in Burundi, as well as trying to raise awareness and abolish the taboos surrounding Aids, which claimed the life of his son Makgatho.

His divorce from second wife Winnie was finalised in 1996.

He found new love in retirement with Graca Machel, the widow of the late Mozambican president Samora Machel, whom he married on his 80th birthday.

"Every time Nelson Mandela walks in a room we all feel a little bigger, we all want to stand up, we all want to cheer, because we'd like to be him on our best day,"

Mandela is survived by three daughters, 18 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. He had four step-children through his marriage to Machel.

His death has left his family divided over his wealth. Some of his children and grandchildren are locked in a legal feud with his close friends over alleged irregularities in his two companies.

GOOD-BYE MADIBA

REST IN PEACE

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

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Cape Town - Sea Point Promenade - Cape Town Walking Spot

Three Anchor Bay Beach

If you fancy a long,. interesting walk, park at the V&A Waterfront and walk (or run!) towards Sea Point Promenade.

The views of these city suburbs, with Lions Head and Table Mountain in the background, are tremendous, the sea is gorgeous and blue, the breeze either gentle or fierce depending on the season and it is a great spot for people watching. Thin, fat, tall or short, all sorts enjoy this local attraction and in all weathers as well!

Green Point Lighthouse was the first solid lighthouse built in South Africa and was first lit on 12/04/1824. It's red and white and stands 16 metres tall. There have been numerous lighthouse keepers over the years, the longest appearing to be a Mr J Hopson who manned the lighthouse from 1860 - 1878 - a period of 18 years. Quite an achievement!

Opposite the lighthouse, you can detour into the Green Point Park for stunning local flora plus views of the Soccer Stadium and Table Mountain.

Further along towards Sea Point you have children's play areas, a putt-putt course, then you reach Three Anchor Bay where there is a beach popular with canoeists and jet skiers.

Just past this spot you will find some outdoor gym equipment - that's if you really want to exercise madly before continuing your wander.

The area of the demolished Graaf's Pool

Graaff's Pool was closed some years back (it was a gay hang-out, overlooked by the huge block of flats!) but one can still wander down the old path where we did spot a chap being brave enough to head into the sea for a swim.

Broken Bath Beach

There are a few small beaches along the way - the name I like the most is "Broken Bath" beach. I have no idea where this strange name originated. The promenade ends at the Sea Point Swimming Baths.





There is always some something interesting to see - watch the tandem para gliders launch themselves off  Signal Hill and come floating down, to land gently on the Sea Point lawns. A must-do activity if one is brave enough!

The sea is always an attraction - from stormy winter days where the waves crash over the sea wall, to the calm blue of summer with many boats sailing past.

© Judelle Drake

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com