The Durban coastline managed by the eThekwini Municipality Coastal and Tourism Policing Unit spans from Westbrook in the north to uMgababa/Umkhomazi in the south. South African tourism associations donated vehicles and equipment to the Durban metro police.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
South African tourism associations donated vehicles and equipment valued at R4.3 million to assist the Durban metro police's coastal and tourism policing unit.
These include vehicles, quad bikes, and personal protective equipment. The Tourism Marketing South Africa (TOMSA), Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), and the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) intend to strengthen safety in the eThekwini coastal area and promote tourism and the local economy.
The eThekwini Municipality Security and Emergency Services Committee presented a report at a council meeting in February 2026. The report explained that the Council and Tourism Policing Division exists within the Metro Police Directorate.
This is a specialised division established to enhance safety, security, and visitor experience along Durban’s 100km coastline and key tourism products. Its primary focus is law enforcement and the protection of both residents and tourists in the beachfront environment.
The donation will benefit the municipality by saving a considerable amount of money that would have been spent on procuring strategic vehicles and equipment for use.
The donated items include:
Councillor Patrick Pillay, leader of the Democratic Liberal Congress (DLC), stated that safety and security are paramount to enhancing tourism and attracting dynamic investment in the city.
Pillay hoped that the vehicles would be well-maintained and used solely for their intended purpose, rather than for private use.
“The DLC welcomes the donation of vehicles, quad bikes, and other items to the unit in enhancing tourist safety, boosting the local economy, and maintaining public order. The city's one-kilometre promenade requires such safety and security support from the hospitality and tourism sectors, and appreciates that the protection of tourists is a partnership between all stakeholders,” Pillay said.
Zandile Myeni, deputy mayor of eThekwini, stated that the municipality intends to strengthen partnerships with other donors, as well that can assist in improving the city.
zainul.dawood@inl.co.za