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Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
- Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said travel from other African countries would be allowed for business and tourism.
- He said other international travel will be subject to a schedule depending on how high the infections are in each country.
- He urged South Africans to adhere even more strictly to the use of masks, hygiene and social distancing.
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has said that the timing of countries beyond the African continent that allow limited travel to South Africa will change based on each country’s progress in reducing Covid-19 infections and deaths.
Dlamini-Zuma addressed reporters on Friday afternoon, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on Wednesday night that South Africa’s national lockdown would change from Level 2 to Level 1 starting Monday next week.
Among other things, the change will allow the resumption of businesses and meetings previously restricted under protocols of social distancing and hygiene and for borders that exclusively admitted cargo under the previous level of blocking to allow travelers and tourists.
“The eighteen land borders that were open for cargo will now be open to everyone, including migrants and tourists. The 35 that were closed will remain closed. We are opening the eighteen borders completely so that they can take the traffic of tourists and people who come for any reason, “said Dlamini-Zuma.
International travel
Dlamini-Zuma said that travel from other countries on the African continent would be allowed for business and tourism, but that a schedule would guide international travel from other continents depending on the countries from which the travelers are coming and the severity of the pandemic.
“International travel will be allowed from October 1. International travel on the continent is allowed to and from all countries. But other international travel will be subject to a schedule depending on the number of infections in each country, but in general will be allowed. ” Dlamini-Zuma said.
Dlamini-Zuma said this timetable will change depending on how infection rates change in the countries of origin or travel. She said the requirement for a 72-hour proof on international departure or arrival will also apply to South Africans returning to the country.
“Returning South Africans, it will help if they have a certificate that does not exceed 72 hours, so that they do not have to be quarantined even without symptoms. If people come without testing and need quarantine, they will have to pay for it. That will be discussed with the relevant ministers, “he said.
Three airports
On air and sea travel, Dlamini-Zuma said: “Only the three international airports, King Shaka, Cape Town and OR Tambo will be open. Commercial sea ports will be open for cargo, but will not be open for passengers or tourism. Cruises are still not able to unload people on our shores. National trips will remain the same with a limit of 200 km and the mandatory use of masks. “
He reminded reporters that Level 1 lockdown conditions mean a maximum of 250 people allowed in a faith gathering venue, regardless of the size of the venue, but that the venue should only accommodate half capacity if it is too small. to accommodate 250 within a meter distance. .
“For gymnasiums and health facilities for those who exercise that were only allowed 50 people, only fifty percent of the capacity of the place can be used with social distance to one meter away,” said Dlamini-Zuma .
He urged South Africans to adhere even more strictly to the wearing of masks, hygiene and social distancing, saying: “When you decide to leave your home, consider that you may be making a life or death decision on your behalf or in the from someone you love. or someone you don’t even know. “
