De Lille says tourism businesses in townships & remote areas targeted by extortionists

CAPE TOWN - The Department of Tourism extortion poses a significant financial burden for businesses in the sector. 

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says many businesses, particularly in townships and remote areas, are paying protection fees to extortionists.  

Speaking at a media briefing in parliament on Friday, de Lille expressed her concern that her department could not protect Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the sector.  

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"I share with them the direct number, that confidential line of the police where they can report it to, but they all are affected by the extortionists, and it varies from province to province,"  said de Lille.

She emphasised that more efforts are needed to ensure the safety of tourists visiting attractions countrywide.

"It's unrealistic to claim that every place is safe. The criminals are always one step ahead. However, with improved cooperation among the public sector, private sector, and police, I believe we are making progress," she added.