Travelling for tourism: Level 3 lockdown rules explained

On June 28, 2020,  Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane issued updated directives summarising what those in the tourism industry may and may not do during the relaxed phase of level 3 lockdown.

Many South Africans have been eagerly awaiting this relaxation and have questions on the practicalities associated with travelling and tourism.

Caxton Local Media answers some frequently asked questions.

• May I travel across provincial borders to get to a tourist destination?

In short, you may travel within provincial boundaries for leisure purposes. However, you may not cross provincial boundaries for that reason. What follows is a more detailed explanation.

Also read: Air travel in South Africa during lockdown level 3.

Personal movement within provincial boundaries:

While lockdown Level 3 persists, South Africans may leave their homes to obtain permitted goods and services. Following recent relaxations, we may leave our homes to ‘travel for leisure purposes’.

All economic activities have been permitted, with the exception of a few.

Personal movement between provinces:

Inter-provincial travel is still prohibited. Although a host of exceptions apply, travel for leisure purposes is not among these exceptions.

Transport regulations:

The Department of Transport’s directives indicate that vehicles may only be filled to a certain percentage of its capacity.

• In previous regulations published on April 2, government imposed a capacity limitation of 60 per cent for private vehicles. Subsequent lockdown regulations have not made any mention of private vehicle capacity restrictions. Nonetheless, SANParks regulations maintain that a 70 per cent limit is applicable for those who seek to enter national parks. The Western Cape government issued a press release where they stick to a 60 per cent limit for private vehicles. Caxton Local Media has asked William Baloyi from Government’s Communication and Information System to clarify whether any capacity restriction applies to private vehicles, “If a regulation has not been changed, it means it is still valid,” he says.

The following limits apply to public transport:

• Minibus-taxis remain at 70 per cent loading capacity;
• Buses must adhere to a maximum loading capacity of 50 per cent, taking due regard of standing passengers;
• eHailing and metred taxis remain at 50 per cent loading capacity
• Shuttle, chauffer and charter services remain at 50per cent loading capacity.

These rules will apply to those who travel for leisure purposes.

• What should I know before embarking on a self-drive excursion to any game reserve?

Those who want to visit national parks for self-drive excursions should contact the relevant park and determine what its lockdown regulations entail. Click here for SANParks contact details.

According to the latest directives, “entry onto the premises of a tourist attraction must only be allowed for self-drive excursion; and for private vehicles that comply with the directions issued by the Minister of Transport in respect of private vehicles.” As movement restrictions apply, you will only be able to travel to game reserves located in your province.

The author, Helene Eloff, is an admitted attorney and the legal advisor of CTP Limited.

*Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.

Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).