Get a grip on the visa shambles, Gigaba

It should be blatantly obvious to anyone with a bit of common sense that, as this country’s resources run out and as our manufacturing industry either sinks or stagnates, then the real hope for any sort of job creation and economic progress in the future lies with tourism.

This is a country blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and fascinating cultures, as well as history and, when it comes to tourism, it is definitely the jewel in the African crown.

So why is it, then, that the government – and Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba in particular – are going out of their way to discourage foreign tourists with families who want to come here on holiday?

Despite the promises made in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s economic “stimulus” package recently that the restrictive requirements for those travelling here accompanied by children would be relaxed, nothing concrete has been done.

The incoming tourism sector is dismayed by the failure to amend the regulations which were originally introduced in an effort to combat human trafficking.

One tourist operator specialising in putting together packages for visitors from Scandinavian countries, told Moneyweb that many of his family clients had been refused boarding at European airports because they did not possess unabridged birth certificates for their children, which is a home affairs requirement.

He has had to reimburse people, but worse than that is the damage done to this country’s reputation as a welcoming, easy-to-visit destination. People have gone elsewhere and, even if the regulations are eased, they will be difficult to entice back.

We urge Gigaba and the government to move quickly in getting rid of this unnecessary nuisance for foreign visitors.

If people come here and have an enjoyable, seamlessly efficient experience and they see how much we have to offer, they will become our best marketers.

Sort this out, minister.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.