By REGINALD KANYANE
6 May 2025- The eThekwini Municipality urges caution when booking accommodation ahead of the Nedbank Cup Final. Thousands of South African football fans are expected to descend on Durban for the highly anticipated 2025 Nedbank Cup final. The eThekwini Local Municipality has urged visitors and tourists to remain vigilant when booking accommodation, to prevent falling victim to online scams.
The eThekwini Local Municipality mayor, Cyril Xaba said a thrilling showdown between South African football giants, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, is set to take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Xaba said this marks the tournament’s return to Durban since it was last hosted in the city in 2019.
“The match promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle that will captivate fans across the country. The municipality welcomed the return of the event, highlighting that the economic and tourism benefits it brings.
“We encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural offerings, stunning beaches, and diverse attractions that make our city a premier destination for both local and international travellers,” he said.
However, Xaba warned visitors and tourists to remain vigilant when booking accommodation, to prevent falling victim to online scammers. He further said visitors are also encouraged to carefully verify any packages that advertise “free tickets” and to obtain their tickets exclusively through registered outlets.
“To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, visitors are advised to follow these essential travel and accommodation safety tips. Kindly research your accommodation before booking.
“Look for customer reviews and ratings across multiple platforms. Be cautious if reviews appear overly positive or generic, as they may be fabricated. Contact the property directly by using verified contact information to reach out to the property,” said Xaba.
He added that, if you cannot find this information on trusted sites, proceed with caution. Xaba urges applicants to check for professionalism.
“Legitimate businesses typically maintain professional websites featuring clear contact information, terms and conditions, and policies regarding cancellations and refunds.
“Compare prices and if a deal seems too good to be true, ensure you compare prices with established booking sites to get a sense of reasonable rates. Verify the URL by ensuring the website has a secure connection (look for “https://” rather than just “http://”) and check for any spelling errors in the domain name,” he said.
Xaba said individuals should use trusted platforms and stick to well-known travel booking websites or apps, which usually offer customer service support to address issues. He said they should avoid wire transfers.
“Always opt for secure payment methods that offer protection, such as credit cards, over wire transfers or cash. Read the fine print, thoroughly review booking terms and conditions, especially regarding cancellation policies and any additional fees.
“Stay informed by keeping up with updates from local tourism authorities concerning safe travel practices and potential scams. Share your itinerary by informing someone of your travel plans, including accommodation details, for added safety,” said Xaba.
He said individuals should keep an eye on their belongings and always keep their bags where they can see them. Xaba said they should avoid displaying valuables like jewellery or electronics publicly.
“Report any suspicious illegal activities to the nearest police station. To further enhance the excitement around the Nedbank Cup final, the municipality will host public viewing areas in various parts of Durban to afford everyone an opportunity to watch the game.
“Details for the public viewing areas will be announced on the Municipal platforms,” he said.
The Guardian 