Andrew Stegmann
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Western Cape Launches Safe Travels Tourism Website

The Western Cape province has launched its Safe Travels tourism website.

The website was developed by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism together with destination marketing and promotion agency Wesgro to help domestic and international tourists to navigate the restrictions on travel and be informed about the important health and safety protocols they need to follow when visiting Cape Town and the Western Cape.

Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier said the website aims to offer peace of mind to those travelling for business or leisure.

“As a result of national government’s risk-based approach to international travel and the ‘red list’ of countries restricted to travel to South Africa, there is still much confusion and uncertainty in the travel and tourism industry, especially as the ‘red list’ is not being reviewed consistently every two weeks as promised.

“And so, to guide tourists and ensure their visit to Cape Town and the Western Cape is as hassle-free as possible, our Safe Travels website provides the latest information on travel restrictions and the ‘red list’, as well as visa requirements and the latest Covid-19 health and safety information,” he said.

Maynier said the website is an example of the many ways that the province has worked hard since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to support businesses, especially tourism businesses in the Western Cape.

“International markets are a key economic driver for the tourism sector in the Western Cape, especially during the summer season, and will be critical to the survival of the sector. Which is why we have maintained from the start that national government must scrap the ‘red list’ and allow all visitors entry into South Africa subject to presenting a negative PCR test conducted at least 72 hours prior to departure, together with screening protocols,” he added.

The content for the Safe Travels website was largely developed using social listening tools which provided real-time insights into what potential travellers to South Africa and the Western Cape are concerned about so that we could develop the right content to help address these concerns.

To assist tourists in distress, the Tourism Safety Support Unit at the Department of Economic Development and Tourism is also available to answer queries via email.

Travellers looking to visit the Western Cape, and who require assistance can send their questions to tourismsafety@westerncape.gov.za

On the launch of the Safe Travels website Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris said SafeTravels.CapeTown has been established as the ‘go to’ page for all visitors coming to enjoy the world-class tourism experience on offer in the province. “It features safety news, FAQ’s and safety initiatives implemented in the province. We invite visitors to peruse the site and put their minds at ease knowing that Cape Town and the Western Cape is travel ready,” he said.

To visit the site, click here.

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann
,

Mauritius Plans to Remedy the Black List Cloud

By Lynn Mackenzie, J.D., LLM.
Courtesy of Samina Jaffery, Mauritius partner.

The European Commission has added Mauritius to the list of third world countries with insufficient measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, as from 01 October 2020. This list of high-risk countries represents those countries that highlight strategic shortcomings in their anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing framework.

Jurisdictions are assessed according to 3 criteria:

• Fiscal transparency: is the country compliant with international reporting standards or does it lack transparency?

• Fair tax competition: is the country fiscally fair, through fair practices, or does it have a harmful tax regime?

• Genuine economic activity: does the country set the correct tax rate and meet the standards set by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)? For example, using too low corporate tax rates encourages artificial tax structures to be set up.

Established to protect the EU financial system and the good functioning of the internal market, this list effectively prevents this kind of illegal activity.

It consists of improving good tax governance at the international level and avoiding unfair structures in order to maintain respect between the different members of the European Union.

In the wake of this incident, Mauritius has made a high-level written political commitment since February 2020 to address the deficiencies identified and implements the FATF action plan as soon as possible. The aim is for Mauritius to be removed from the FATF and EU lists and to demonstrate to the global investment community that it remains a credible and trustworthy jurisdiction.

At this point in time, the negotiations are still under way and we hope to receive some updates soon

The content of this article is provided for general information purposes. The provision of this article does not constitute legal advice or opinion of any kind; no advisory or fiduciary relationship is created between Relocation Africa and any other person accessing or using this article. Relocation Africa will not be liable for any damages or loss arising from using any part of this article.

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann
,

South Africa Opens For International Travel From All Countries: Updated COVID-19 Regulations

The South African Government has relaxed the country’s level 1 lockdown rules around international travel, allowing visitors from any country provided they follow health and safety guidelines.

In an address on Wednesday evening (11 November), President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the easing of these restrictions is to enable all parts of the economy to return to full operation as quickly and as safely as possible.

“(We are) opening up international travel to all countries subject to the necessary health protocols and the presentation of a negative Covid-19 certificate. By using rapid tests and strict monitoring we intend to limit the spread of the infection through importation,” he said.

While the decision has been welcomed by the local tourism industry, it may be hamstrung as several key target markets are experiencing a second wave in coronavirus infections which will prevent potential tourists from visiting South Africa.

“From 5 November to 2 December 2020, travelling away from home, including internationally, is restricted from England except in limited circumstances such as for work or for education,” the UK’s foreign office said.

The foreign office also advises against all but essential travel to the whole of South Africa based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks.

Some restrictions are also in place for Germany and France, with both countries also re-entering lockdowns in recent weeks. A ban on overseas travel from Australia is also in place.

Despite existing international restrictions, local tourism has praised the decision to ease restrictions, especially the removal of the ‘high-risk list’ which saw travellers from specific countries prohibited from entering South Africa for leisure travel.

“We have been calling for the ‘red list’ to be scrapped from day one, as it was killing our key source markets for tourism in the Western Cape ahead of the summer season and causing much confusion and uncertainty for the travel and tourism industry which has been hard-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said the Western Cape’s minister of finance and economic opportunities David Maynier.

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, chief executive of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa has also been lobbying the government to abandon the ‘red list’ as it was not necessary because travellers had to present a Covid-19 test before entering the country.

“We have worked hard with determination and persistence for the sake of the tourism industry,” he said. “As the president has just announced, all borders will be open subject to Covid-19 negative certificate for all passengers. No more high-risk list of countries. Let’s all go to work.”

Partial re-opening of borders

The 18 land borders which were partially operational, will be fully operational, and the 34 land borders which were closed, will remain closed.

Travelling to and from South Africa is allowed, subject to:

  • The traveller providing a valid certificate of a negative test which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel;
  • In the event of the traveller’s failure to submit a certificate as proof of a negative test, the traveller will be required to quarantine him or herself at his or her own costs.

International air travel remains restricted to the following airports:

  • OR Tambo International Airport:
  • King Shaka International Airport;
  • Cape Town International Airport.

The resumption of services for visa applications shall be determined in directions issued by minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi.

The minister is also expected to work with the Department of Health and the Department of Transport on international travel containment protocols to ensure that entry into South African ports of entry will only be allowed subject to adherence to ensure Covid-19 positive travellers are not allowed into the country.

Liquor sales 

The gazette states that the sale of liquor is permitted:

  • By licensed premises for off-site consumption, is permitted during licensed trading hours – subject to the laws governing such licenses;
  • By a licensed premises for on-site consumption is permitted, subject to strict adherence to the curfew.

Since the start of alert level one on 21 September 2020, licensed outlets have only been allowed to sell alcohol for home consumption on weekdays from 09h00 to 17hoo.

The amended regulations effectively mean that liquor trading returns to pre-lockdown hours, with bottle stores and other retailers now able sell liquor for off-site consumption over the weekend and during all licensed trading hours.

Any person who does not follow these regulations is liable to be fined or faces imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months.

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann
,

Expats: How to Get In Touch With Your Creative Side to Manage Transition

This article was originally published by Vivian Chiona of Expat Nest.

Using creative processes like art-making can help us to cope with change and capture our unique expat story. Global nomad, art psychotherapist and transition specialist Shellee Burroughs shares some easy ways to get started…

Transition can be an emotional roller coaster no matter how many times we’ve gone through it. As a parent of third culture kids (TCKs) and as an adult TCK, I’ve experienced transition many times and in many forms: I’ve moved countries as a child, single adult, and wife; then as a parent of young children and later as a parent of teenagers. In my experience, each transition can bring up unresolved grief, loss, anger and issues of identity.

As an art psychotherapist, I’ve seen how taking a more artistic approach can support children, teenagers, parents and families to manage change. Using creative processes is important to help us release and contain our feelings and fears. We are used to communicating using words, but creating images can be extremely powerful and can help us explore feelings in a different way.

Creativity and COVID-19

The COVID pandemic means that a lot has changed in a short amount of time! We find ourselves in a global state of ‘not knowing’, dealing with disappointments, loss and fear. Working online with my clients during the pandemic, I’ve seen firsthand how exploring our feelings through creative artwork during this challenging time can reveal strengths and vulnerabilities that we perhaps were not aware of before the crisis.

I have used a variety of creative processes during lockdown, both with myself, my family, and my clients. One I’ve found particularly helpful (and enjoyable) is a daily post-it ‘diary’. These small squares are the perfect size in which to illustrate one event, thought or idea each day; a small piece of paper also feels ‘safer’ to manage. In years to come I will be able flip through my sketchbook of post-its and look back on this pandemic and how I experienced it. (See my post-it diary here.)

Tip #1: Simple materials

You don’t need a huge variety of materials to be creative, nor do you need expensive ‘artist quality’ materials. Look for art materials used at school, as they are often cheaper and don’t stain.

Some basics include:

  • Felt pens, drawing pencils, erasers, sharpener
  • Drawing paper (printer paper is too thin if you want to use paint)
  • Scissors, glue, coloured paper, magazine cuttings (for collage/journalling)
  • Oil pastels (if using chalk pastels, get some hairspray to ‘fix’ the image on paper)
  • Items found in nature (leaves, shells, )
  • Water-based paints – poster or tempura are best. Acrylics can stain (they are glue-based) and oils are messy and can take a long time to dry.
  • A selection of paintbrushes in different sizes – simple sponge ‘brushes’ are easy to use and store, and can be great fun for all ages.

Tip #2: Ways of working

Are you asking a specific question? Or is it more of an ‘open’ approach? Each has its place and I use a combination of both. For example, when moving back to the UK from Kuala Lumpur in 2017, every few days I would sit down with my children to draw a joint ‘countdown’ picture, which we kept as a whole piece of work (you can see it here). This longer-term work journalled our experience as a family, and it’s something I will always treasure.

During your process, don’t place high expectations on yourself – often very simple images have the most impact. And don’t be put off if an image brings up unexpected emotions. This is natural and is part of the transition process. We’re so used to expressing ourselves in words – sometimes images can impact us in a deeper way than expected.

Tip #3: Keep your creations

It’s easy to be dismissive about your creations, but you’ll find that they will take on greater significance over time. Looking back at your transition experience in this way is fascinating – and becomes a visual diary of your life story.

During relocations, it’s easy to misplace, damage or lose work that has meaning. Here are some tips to keep your creations safe:

  • Get a large folder to protect the work. Clear plastic ones are cheap online, and easy to keep in a suitcase.
  • Take photos of your creations on your phone and store them safely on another device or in the cloud.
  • Leave paintings out as long as possible to dry so that they don’t get stuck together when stored in a pile

Some ideas to get you started

  1. Journalling: Individual or group. Words and images can be used together – anything goes!
  2. Scribbling: Had a tough day? Get scribbling! This is fun for the whole family and turning scribbles into a picture can provide psychological ‘space’ for processing deeper feelings.
  3. Superheroes: “What superhero would you be and what skills will you take with you when we move?” This helps children in particular to see that their positive attributes will be sustained, even after their move, and can help them feel more in control.
  4. Look ahead: “What do you think this year will look like? Where are your favourite places now? What will be the same and what will be different?” All of these questions can be explored using images and can show feelings that might not be obvious.
  5. Freestyle: Just create. Anything! Scribbling, filling in shapes, finger painting and colouring can provide our brain with some much-needed ‘space’ for processing.

Creating is important and so is having fun. Enjoy exploring! But also acknowledge the darker, deeper aspects of transition and the effect it can have. Transition can be difficult, exhausting and painful. Previous losses often come to the surface and this can make transition more difficult than expected but giving these feelings a ‘voice’ can really help.. Finding creative approaches that work best for you can give you the space to feel what you really feel, while learning more about yourself in the process.

About the author: Shellee Burroughs is a registered Art Psychotherapist and Clinical Traumatologist. She is a member of the British Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and has worked in a wide variety of settings in the UK, Canada and Malaysia, including as a school counsellor. Shellee has also facilitated workshops and trained counsellors, staff and parents in trauma, identity, loss and transition.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].