Irregularities in South Africa’s Tourism Safety Tender: Allegations Spark Concerns for Travelers and Youth Empowerment

Sunday, July 6, 2025

It has emerged that the South African Department of Tourism (DoT) has severe claims centered on improprieties within its Tourism Monitors Programme (TMP) as part of a multi-million-rand programme aimed at supplementing tourism safety and youth employment.

The R174.5 million programme was designed to place unemployed youth in high-traffic tourism areas to bolster safety efforts at popular destinations. However, the spotlight is now on the controversial tender process for a contract awarded to a company for work at KwaZulu-Natal’s Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, raising concerns about the broader safety programme.

The alleged manipulation of the bidding process has stirred up unrest in the tourism sector, with accusations ranging from disqualified companies being reconsidered for projects, to last-minute changes in requirements that benefited certain bidders. The allegations have prompted the Department of Tourism to initiate an investigation into what many see as a mismanaged tender process that undermines the programme’s core mission.

Allegations and Controversy Surrounding Tender Process

The Ezemvelo Nature Reserve tender has become the center of the controversy. Thembanathi Group, a skills development and training company, initially led the bidding process for an 18-month contract for the reserve and other areas in KwaZulu-Natal. Despite receiving the highest evaluation scores during the initial rounds of the bid process, Thembanathi was unexpectedly removed from the list of successful bidders after officials amended the Terms of Reference (ToR).

Initially, Thembanathi received top marks in both Ezemvelo and KwaZulu-Natal tenders. However, when the Department of Tourism reconsidered a disqualified bidder, MMC Business Solutions JV with Siva Security Services, the decision was reversed in their favor. The revised criteria, which were not publicly communicated until after the initial evaluation, allowed the disqualified company to re-enter the race and eventually secure the contract, despite not meeting the minimum standards initially set out by the department.

Thembanathi Group claims that they were “ripped from under [their] feet” after investing considerable resources and recruiting staff to meet the programme’s demands. Thembanathi’s CEO, Ntokozo Gwala, called the shift in the bidding process “flawed and corrupt,” alleging internal manipulation and unethical actions. Meanwhile, MMC Business Solutions maintains that their project was executed as per contractual agreements, and they were never formally informed of any disqualification.

Tourism Safety Program Under Scrutiny: The Bigger Picture

The Tourism Monitors Programme (TMP) plays a significant role in ensuring the safety of tourists across South Africa, working in conjunction with SAPS (South African Police Service) and other law enforcement agencies. The programme trains and places youth monitors in popular tourist areas, who undergo safety training through the National Certificate in General Safety Practices (NQF Level 3). These monitors are intended to reduce crime and increase safety in some of the most visited parts of the country, which has been marred by rising concerns of tourist safety.

Despite the accusations surrounding the procurement process, DoT spokesperson Tasneem Carrim emphasized that all claims are being carefully examined. She defended the programme’s success in providing much-needed employment for unemployed youth and stated that, despite the ongoing investigations, contractual obligations with appointed service providers had been met satisfactorily.

However, Democratic Alliance MP Haseena Ismail has called for a full audit of the TMP, claiming that there is a lack of oversight, limited training for the youth monitors, and irregularities in procurement processes. She expressed concern that the programme, which is meant to empower youth and improve tourism safety, may instead be contributing to a mismanagement scandal that could tarnish its reputation.

The Impact on Tourism and Travelers

While the Tourism Monitors Programme has received widespread praise for its potential to reduce crime and boost tourist confidence, the allegations of corruption and irregular bidding processes are now casting a shadow over the program’s credibility. For international and domestic tourists, concerns about safety are an ongoing issue, especially when projects meant to enhance safety are under scrutiny.

Tourists heading to regions like KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town, or Johannesburg — which are known for their vibrant tourist attractions — may wonder whether the government is truly prioritizing their safety if such tender irregularities continue.

Quick Tips for Travelers:

1. Stay Informed on Safety Measures: If you’re planning to travel to tourist hotspots in South Africa, stay updated on the safety measures in place at the destination, particularly if you’re visiting high-traffic areas like Ezemvelo Nature Reserve.
2. Check for Local Crime Reports: While the government works to improve tourism safety, it’s always helpful to consult local crime reports and tourism boards for up-to-date safety information.
3. Opt for Certified Tour Guides: When traveling to remote or rural areas, consider using certified tour guides who are trained in emergency procedures and can ensure your safety.
4. Support Ethical Tourism: As the investigation continues, travelers are encouraged to support tourism initiatives that prioritize safety, ethics, and community development.

Bottom Line: The Tourism Monitors Programme was meant to serve as a beacon of hope for youth employment and tourism safety. However, the ongoing allegations of mismanagement and corrupt practices within the tendering process have led to serious questions about the integrity of the programme. As the DoT investigates, it is crucial that the public and tourists remain aware of developments, and that the South African government addresses these concerns to ensure both tourist safety and youth empowerment are not compromised in the future.

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