South Africa Condemns Australia Travel Advisory
South Africa has given a thumbs down to a Travel Advisory from Down Under. The South African government said today that it strongly objects to the Travel Advisory issued by the government of the Commonwealth of Australia, which it claims contains “misleading information” about South Africa and the experiences of foreign tourists visiting. International Relations […]
South Africa has given a thumbs down to a Travel Advisory from Down Under. The South African government said today that it strongly objects to the Travel Advisory issued by the government of the Commonwealth of Australia, which it claims contains “misleading information” about South Africa and the experiences of foreign tourists visiting.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the travel advisory has the potential not only to deter Australians from visiting South Africa, but also to tarnish the country’s image.
“South Africa remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and tourists in most instances have pleasant experiences of our country,” Minister Sisulu said in a statement on Wednesday.
Officials from her department have previously requested – without much success – that the advisory be amended to reflect what they believe is the “true experiences of foreign tourists” in South Africa.
Currently, the Australian Advisory cautions visitors to South Africa to “exercise a high degree of caution” because of the “high level of serious crime”, and says most types of crime are increasing.
Dirco said today: “The decision to escalate the matter follows these unsuccessful attempts and indicates the seriousness with which the South African government values the contribution of the tourism sector to the economy.”
Many South Africans wish that instead of putting pressure on the Australian government to remove its safety guidelines for its people, that instead Dirco would put pressure on its own government to tackle crime vigilantly and prioritise and create a safer environment for both local South Africans, and visitors to its shore.
For many Australians – and visitors from other countries like Germany, they are accustomed to a different level of safety and unfortunately do require cautionary advice when visiting SA.
While most travellers to South Africa enjoy a wonderful and safe holiday, in the past year, tourist buses, cars, hikers and holiday-makers strolling innocently along the beach have been attacked… often because of their ignorance about how to stay safe in SA. Which is where a government has an obligation to its citizens.
The Australian Advisory, for instance, warns travellers that there is no such thing as ‘Tourist Police’ in SA… the con by which criminals pose as Tourist Police to “extort and rob tourists, including by stopping tourist buses to check proof of identity and search luggage”.
It also cautions travellers to be aware of crime at airports, particularly OR Tambo International Airpot, and mentions that there have been attacks on hikers on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town and the Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal, advising that hikers remain in groups.
The Advisory does mention “don’t expect the same level of service from South African police as you would in Australia”, which may not have gone down too well (!).
The Advisory – which appears on the Australian government’s Smart Traveller site – also warns travellers to avoid minibus taxis because of the poor condition and driving skills of many.
It advises those travelling by car to keep the doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight… which to be fair, are all things most South Africans who live in the country are already aware of, but which tourists would not know.
It also advises visitors to comply with water restrictions in drought-stricken Cape Town; and to carry an unabridged birth certificate, amongst other requirements, if travelling with a minor.
Sources include SAnews.gov.za and the Australian government website.