We can’t prevent the emergency, BUT we can control effective response and the aftercare that victims receive, thus ensuring that, as far as possible, they leave the country knowing they were cared for.
SATSA’s approach to Safety and Security is focused on a three-point plan and is aligned with existing National and Provincial strategies.
Prevention and Preparation
Partnerships
Partnerships are and continue to be formed with local and national networks including:
- National, Provincial and Local Government
- SAPS Local / Provincial Safety Joint Operating Centres
- Community Safety Forums, etc.
- Hospitals, Fire brigades, Doctors, etc.
- Embassies
Awareness and Education
Understanding that this affects the entire scope of the tourism industry and that everyone should be equipped with the right knowledge, the hope is to provide training and education sessions to tourism operators and their staff, specifically frontline workers (i.e., concierge, drivers, guides, etc.), on dealing directly with tourists in a safety incident.
This awareness creation also extends to our visitors and as such a Traveller’s Guide to South Africa is currently being developed to provide tips on enjoying our beautiful country to its fullest.
Reaction – Secura Traveller
In an emergency, every second counts!
Emergency App
SATSA’s SECURA Traveller partnership delivers ‘peace of mind in your pocket’ for travellers visiting South Africa.
To offer the best possible reaction during an emergency, SATSA entered a partnership with SECURA to develop a tourism-specific safety app called SECURA Traveller, based on SECURA’s innovative, affordable emergency medical response, breakdowns / stand-by-me service, and crime-related incident assistance.
SECURA is a security solution that connects to the largest network of armed and medical response companies in South Africa. Its on-demand smart tech automatically identifies and dispatches the closest response unit once the panic button is activated.
Using its revolutionary panic button – which is accessible via mobile phone or in the form of a tangible panic button – connects travellers to hundreds of emergency responders when every second counts. These responders are ready and equipped to assist in any emergency.
The App is available at R49 per download and valid for a 30-day period. Anyone in the tourism industry can access the App either through:
Embedding voucher codes into all your ticket sales. To purchase, please supply us with your invoicing details and the number of vouchers you are interested in.
Sending the App details to travellers for voluntary download and direct purchase. We are in the process to develop a brochure for download. In the meantime, please download this User Guide to forward to your guests.
Aftercare
Traveller Safety Volunteers
The reaction process is supplemented by SATSA’s specialist support team of traveller ambassadors, translators, trauma counsellors and logistical facilitators. This means we are able to facilitate the traveller’s immediate needs such as travel documentation, concierge services, trauma counselling etc.
Our network of volunteers is based across South Africa and will meet with victims and offer support and translation in almost any language. This is used to supplement the professional trauma support we are able to offer if needed. Our tourism volunteers are friendly faces to help travellers through the unfortunate process.
The SATSA Traveller Support Fund
Every download of the SECURA Traveller App provides a contribution to the SATSA Travellers Support Fund. Funding is ringfence and used to support victims with items such as document replacement, clothing, accommodation, transport, etc.
Incident Management
An incident management protocol is currently being developed. This will be used to streamline the incident process as well as to support stakeholder communication.
Reporting and Media Management
The SECURA system bolsters SATSA’s incident database by collecting and analysing all data regarding incidents. This assists with the identification of hot spots, adding additional recourses, reporting and lobbying.
SATSA’s PR team is also on hand to communicate and manage media and to develop holding statements where needed.
