Tshwane is SA's safest metro
The 2024 State of Urban Safety in SA report, published by the South African Cities Network (SACN), claims to use rigorous, data-driven methodology to assess the safety levels of SA's major cities.
The findings place Tshwane at the top of the list, declaring it the country's safest major metro.
MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa, welcomed the findings, saying it relies on more than 'internal data or wishful thinking'.
'We welcome the confirmation that Tshwane is South Africa's safest city. The Tshwane Tourism Association's safety figures are verified by this fully independent national report.'
According to Mabotsa, the report is based on a range of indicators, most notably homicide rates, and draws on public data from sources including the police and Statistics South Africa.
She said it has been designed to offer cities and their residents a clear, comparative view of urban safety and be free from political spin.
'Importantly, the SACN does not operate under municipal or political structures, ensuring the report's independence. Its findings are widely regarded as a reliable benchmark across the public and private sectors.'
Supporting the findings of the SACN report, surveys by StatsSA also indicate that residents of Tshwane feel safer walking their neighbourhoods at night than residents of other major South African cities.
In April, the metro and the Tshwane Tourism Association signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to boost tourism collaboration.
A key part of this agreement is focused on promoting safety, visitor confidence and economic opportunities, especially in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) sector.
'The tourism sector, and specifically the MICE component, has been identified as a sector that can create much more employment in Tshwane,' said Mabotsa.
She said the metro has a lot to offer, and now, safety is something it can confidently promote.
Based on international data from the United States in 2021, Tshwane is statistically as safe as cities like Newark or Chicago and safer than Cincinnati, Atlanta, Washington DC and New Orleans.
'Tshwane has its challenges like any other city, but we must tell the full, data-backed story,' said Mabotsa.
She added that visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions, from the 90 000-hectare Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve in the north to township and city tours, local nature reserves, cultural landmarks, and historic sites like the Voortrekker Monument, Freedom Park, and the Union Buildings.
The multiparty coalition government in Tshwane also committed to a far-reaching economic revitalisation strategy.
'We're aiming to add at least 80 000 jobs to the city's economy by 2029,' Mabotsa said.
Mabotsa said tourism is one of the top priority sectors. 'To our local and international visitors, we say: Welcome to South Africa's safest city.
'Not only do we have a lot to offer you, but your visit helps create jobs and opportunities. Thank you. Baie dankie. Kea leboga. Inkomu, Nkosi.'
Chairperson of the Tshwane Tourism Association, Susan Marais, welcomed the report as validation of what many in the local tourism industry already knew.
'Tshwane offers not just an abundance of attractions, but also a comparatively safer experience for visitors.'
Marais said it is a vibrant, globally relevant destination.
She added it represents over 200 members, from tour operators and accommodation providers to event venues and culinary experiences.
'Safety is a critical part of what makes a destination attractive, and this report confirms what our visitors are already experiencing.'
To see the independent report, click on the following link:
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