This is according to Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba who, during a media briefing, reported on traveller movement, especially in view of the tourism sector.
“Of this number, 3 903 708 were foreign nationals [tourists] and the rest were SA citizens,” said the Minister.
“I am glad to announce, therefore, that when we look at December 1, 2015 to January 7, 2016, it is quite clear that the 2016 peak period had notable increases in traveller movement compared to 2014 and 2015.
“Compared with 2014/15, our current figures show an increase of 5,3 per cent.”
Regarding arrivals, the Minister said there was an increase (2 003 509 foreigners) compared to previous years.
“The period from December 1 to January 7 showed increases of 4.9 per cent travellers from our continent, 6.1 per cent from Europe, 7.8 per cent from North America, 15 per cent from Asia, 2.5 per cent from Australasia, 21 per cent from the Middle East, and a decrease of one per cent for arrivals from South America.
“The top nationalities arriving in SA over this period were from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, United Kingdom, Germany, USA and Namibia.
“The top 10 ports in the period were Oliver Tambo International Airport, Beit Bridge, Lebombo, Maseru Bridge, Ficksburg, Oshoek, Cape Town International Airport, Kopfontein, Ramatlabama and Groblers Bridge.
Gigaba said the biometric capturing, with specific focus on the capturing of biometrics in the transit area at OR Tambo International Airport, and the fact that travellers no longer require transit visas at certain airports, has assisted with the smooth facilitation of travellers, while protecting SA’s national security.
“Making concessions work is a priority for us, as we believe it to be in the best interests of all to make the country safe, while ensuring tourists are still coming to South Africa,” he explained.
“If we do not keep SA safe, and fail to provide effective protection for children, we are going to push travellers away.
“Similarly, if we don’t continue to improve on the traveller process modalities it will push travellers away.
“We should, however, desist from talking down our country, in particular our tourism sector. The attraction of South Africa goes beyond reckless convenience.
“We have an opportunity to strike a more collaborative tone as government and the tourism sector, one that appreciates the perspective of the other.
”We can work together, keep our country safe and attract travellers beyond mere convenience of travel.”
