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South Africa about to reopen, but not to everyone

South Africa plans to begin a gradual and cautious resumption to opening its borders to international travel on October 1.

President Cyril Ramaphosa warned, however, that travel may be limited to countries that do not have high infection and transmission rates. The list of permitted and prohibited countries has yet to be released.

For those who will be permitted to travel to South Africa, a negative Covid-19 test result no older than 72 hours will be required. Failure to provide this will result in mandatory quarantine at the traveler’s cost. All travelers will also be required to download the Covid-19 Alert App, which enables contact tracing.

Ramaphosa’s announcement was met with relief by South Africa’s tourism stakeholders who have seen their livelihoods threatened or lost as a result of the pandemic lockdown.

“Tourism can be South Africa’s economic lifeline,” said Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa. “Every day we have been closed to international travel, we have lost 336 million rand (almost $20 million) of spend, and the government has lost vital tax revenue. Opening up our tourism sector will have a direct and immediately positive impact on government’s coffers at a time when it most needs it.”

The government’s decision to reopen to international travel and tourism allows the industry to get back on its feet, said David Frost, CEO of Southern Africa Tourism Services Association, the voice of inbound tourism. “Covid-19 has grounded our world, but tourism will return. And we need to support its full recovery at the earliest opportunity, since it is the single sector with the greatest potential to drive the type of economic growth that South Africa most needs.”

Source: Travel Weekly

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. In addition to his media ventures, Solomon serves as a Brand Ambassador for Alabuga, a prominent Russian industrial company, representing their interests and expansion across Africa. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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