- Kei Mouth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
How To Enjoy A Safe Wild Coast Holiday This Christmas
Recent headlines have highlighted crime on the Wild Coast — a worrying development for anyone planning to spend this summer and Christmas soaking up the sun on the beaches of the Eastern Cape. News reports have highlighted incidents of organised criminal activity, suggesting that the area’s poor accessibility, weak cellular networks and limited police capacity make it susceptible to crime.
There’s no point in belittling these incidents, or in trying to pretend they didn’t happen. Nor do we want to gloss over the fears many have about travelling to more remote parts of the region. Nevertheless, as a community, we feel it’s important to keep things in perspective and remind ourselves that hundreds of people travel to various parts of the Wild Coast every day and experience only the friendly hospitality the region is famous for.
Local Safety Initiatives Boost Safety in Kei Mouth
Kei Mouth and Morgan Bay are fortunate enough to enjoy better resources than some of our neighbours on the other side of the Kei River. We have fairly reliable cellphone coverage throughout the area, good roads, and a robust police force backed by a strong Community Police Forum and non-profit community safety organisation.
Our local safety organisation, the Kei Watch Action Group (KWAG), has over 200 members and a committee that meets monthly to address security concerns and spearhead community solutions. They have a network of over 80 radios that are used to communicate any suspicious activity and coordinate rapid responses to potential threats.
This system allows for real-time information sharing and enables community members to quickly alert each other and local law enforcement about any potential disturbances to village life, even when cellphone coverage is unavailable.
There is also a network of cameras throughout the village and outlying areas, which provide 24/7 surveillance and act as a deterrent to potential criminals. These cameras are monitored regularly and can provide crucial evidence in the event of any criminal activity.
These monitoring efforts are further supported by the license plate recognition camera situated between Kei Mouth and Morgan Bay, which helps track vehicle movements in and out of the area, providing an additional layer of security.
Local security firm, Komga Alarms, also conducts regular patrols around the village, while NSRI lifeguards are on hand to provide support on the beaches, keeping visitors safe from crime, as well as currents. They are also equipped with radios that enable them to contact law enforcement and community members for support should an incident arise.
National Strategies Promise Increased Security on the Wild Coast
In addition to these local benefits, we have seen a proactive response to the recent crimes by national law enforcement, specialised units like the Hawks and the Scorpions, and our local Wild Coast communities.
Last week, Eastern Cape community safety and transport MEC Xolile Nqatha announced plans to combat crime with increased patrols, stop-and-searches, and roadblocks throughout the Wild Coast. He also said the police and Department of Transport would be working together to launch a “safety festive season programme,” that will see joint operations monitoring “tourist attractions, beaches, townships and villages, to ensure people are safe.”
Safety patrollers are also being deployed to crime hotspots as part of “a justice cluster approach to fighting crime” which will see communities and authorities collaborating with police to combat crime.
These developments are extremely encouraging, and both Kei Mouth and Morgan Bay are positioned to cooperate with authorities, increase security, and continue to ensure the safety of both visitors and residents.
How to Enjoy a Safe Holiday on the Wild Coast
Although crime rates across the Eastern Cape are disturbing, in our little coastal villages, they remain reassuringly low, with the local SAPS reporting just a handful of crimes in their latest report.
I doubt that there’s anywhere in the world where you can travel without the slightest care in the world, and wherever you go, it’s important you take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
While we’re confident you can enjoy a safe holiday here in Kei Mouth, walking around the village freely without any fear for your safety, travelling further afield demands a certain level of care and vigilance.
To that end, we’ve come together as a community to identify some useful safety precautions travellers should take, whether driving along the Wild Coast or exploring any other region of South Africa.
One safety precaution that deserves to be highlighted is the concept of live location tracking.
How to Use WhatsApp Live Location Tracking
- Create a group of close contacts who you want to track your live location
- Click on the paper clip displayed in the message
- Select “location” from the menu options
- Allow WhatsApp to use your device’s location and then select “Share live location.”
- You will be given a choice of how long to share live location for – select 8 hrs.
- Add a comment informing your contacts of your travel plans.
How Cyber Chaperone Increases Security
Cyber Chaperone is the brainchild of Andre Snyman of eblockwatch and takes live location monitoring to a new level. Using WhatsApp’s live location tracking, you simply include Cyber Chaperone in your group of contacts, and send them your vehicle license and a photograph of yourself.
They will then monitor your journey and respond promptly should you fail to arrive at your destination. They will be able to identify your last live location and will coordinate with local authorities, emergency services, and community watch groups to quickly mobilise assistance.
This rapid response capability significantly reduces the time between when a problem occurs and when help arrives, potentially making a crucial difference in emergency situations, especially in remote or less accessible areas of the Wild Coast.
To sign up to Cyber Chaperone, follow the instructions on Facebook.
- Staying Safe on the Wild Coast: Practical Tips for Travellers
In addition to using live location tracking, we also advise travellers to:
- Stay informed — Research current safety situations before and during your trip. We’re fortunate enough to remain largely unaffected by the criminal activity further up the coastline, but nevertheless recommend you check the local news reports before embarking on a long journey.
- Be prepared — Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and ready to embark on a long journey. Check your oil, water, and tyre pressure before you leave so you won’t have any unexpected stops along the way.
- Be aware that there are NO toll roads or fees to pay on the N2 between Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth and Kokstad, nor on the N6 to East London – so do not stop or get caught by card scammers or other con artists trying to extort money from you.
- Choose reputable accommodation — Opt for established, well-reviewed accommodation options like those advertised on this website
- Be cautious on the roads — Travel in groups where possible and avoid driving at night. Be aware of your surroundings and the behaviour of those around you.
- Use official tours and guides for excursions.
- Leave your valuables at home wherever possible and be discreet with expensive items.
- Have emergency contacts readily available — see list at the end of this article.
- Don’t stop for strangers — should an unmarked vehicle or police car attempt to stop you and something does’t feel right, keep driving. Put your hazard lights on and continue at a steady speed of around 40km/h. Phone 10111 and explain the situation you’re in, giving as much information as possible, including your location and the vehicle’s registration number. The operator will direct you to the nearest police station.
- Keep others informed —Advise your accommodation of your estimated arrival time as well as your route, that way they can raise the alarm if you’re late and they’re unable to contact you.
Conclusion
Our hearts go out to the individuals and communities hit hardest by the latest spate of crimes
on the Wild Coast, but we refuse to be daunted by the actions of a few when the majority remain committed to welcoming visitors to the area and giving them a taste of true Wild Coast hospitality.
As you prepare for your Wild Coast holiday this Christmas, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions. Crime in the area may have made recent headlines, but with the community-driven safety initiatives and the efforts of national authorities, visitors can still enjoy a memorable, safe holiday.By staying informed, using tools like live location tracking, and following common-sense safety tips, you can explore the beauty of the Eastern Cape while minimising risks.
Let’s continue to support each other, work with local and national authorities, and focus on the many positive aspects of this region that make it a much-loved holiday destination. Safe travels!
Emergency Numbers for Kei Mouth & Morgan Bay
- KWAG Emergency 066 177 3451
- Police – Kei Mouth 043 841 1080
- Fire Station 043 831 1084
- MB Volunteer Fire Team 066 519 0042
- KM Volunteer Fire Team 083 381 3695
- NSRI Station 47 074 042 2996
- NSRI Call Centre SASAR 076 100 2829
- Poison Centre 086155 5777