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The minister said that every two weeks the government re-evaluates the list of countries that have been banned from visiting South Africa due to its high number of COVID-19 cases.
Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane visits Limpopo province during the department’s national travel campaign. Photo: Abigail Javier / EWN
JOHANNESBURG – Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said on Monday that she expected South Africa’s borders to be opened to all countries before the December holidays.
The minister said that every two weeks the government re-evaluates the list of countries that have been banned from visiting South Africa due to its high number of COVID-19 cases.
Several European countries are currently fighting an increase in the number of COVID-19 infections.
The minister visited several businesses in Limpopo last week, with the aim of boosting local tourism.
Eyewitness news joined the trip.
Although set in the tranquility of the jungle, the reality of COVID-19 has affected the Palala Boutique Game Lodge and Spa in Limpopo and the pandemic is a stark reminder of the crisis the world is facing right now.
“Do I need to keep my mask on?” asked a visitor.
“Unfortunately, yes mom, these are the new times we live in,” said a staff member.
With 22 countries still without permits in South Africa due to their high number of COVID-19 cases, the tourism sector is now counting on the premises for an economic boost.
Kubayi-Ngubane said that although the country needed the international economic boost, it could not afford a second wave of cornavirus infections.
“The tourism sector would lose many jobs and many more companies would go under. We think we have a second chance to try and recover and anything that can happen can literally set us back (sic). ”
The minister has urged South Africans not to lower their guard by practicing social distancing and keeping masks on.
[GALLERY] The beauty of Limpopo
HUNTING SEASON
At the same time, Kubayi-Ngubane said she was concerned about the impact of the international ban on some European countries due to COVID-19, with the hunting season also just around the corner.
Limpopo, one of the poorest provinces in the country, relies on this season, which begins in January, for a much-needed economic boost from European visitors.
“They need to get permits now for January, so with the uncertainty of their own borders, it is concerning. We are closely watching what happens there because on our side we are moving forward so that several countries can come but we are worried that we open 100%, you win that battle in the 100% opening, only to find that other countries are closing (sic) “.
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