South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize will be joined by the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Tedros Ghebreyesus in welcoming the organisation’s first member who will be helping South Africa with its fight against COVID-19.
A team of more than 40 international health experts assembled by the WHO are due to start working in south Africa soon where they’ll be guiding government and professionals through the pandemic.
South Africa is ranked fifth on the international list of countries with the highest coronavirus infection rates. South Africa has about 70,000 more confirmed COVID-19 cases than Mexico or Peru -whose infection rates continue to climb.
Last month, when Minister Mkhize made the announcement, he promised that this team of experts assembled by the world health organization would add tremendous value to support South Africa. Although the daily new infection rate has slowed down in large provinces like Gauteng, the Western Cape, and Eastern Cape, there are concerns about a second wave.
Chairperson of the ministerial advisory committee on COVID-19, Professor Salim Abdool Karim has warned this pandemic is one of many more that could plague the world and now is a time to come up with international modules to stop future viruses. “We can’t say this was a complete surprise. We just didn’t know when and how severe. This is not the last, we as a global community has to have the global mechanism to stand together to make sure we are better prepared next time.”
Those who have already touched down here in South Africa arrived a few days ago for quarantine purposes and will now be officially welcomed during an online ceremony.
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.
https://www.relocationafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/web_photo_mkhize_060820.jpg13722048Andrew Stegmannhttps://www.relocationafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/relocationafricagroup.jpgAndrew Stegmann2020-08-21 10:31:042023-02-21 11:55:39South Africa to Welcome First WHO Member to Help in Fight Against COVID-19
As South Africa’s government is mulling the reopening of its borders in September, international travelers and travel agents alike have started considering the safety implications of their travels. South Africa’s tourism industry, under the banner of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), has been advocating for the phased reopening and is putting stringent measures in place to lower the risk and ensure the safety of travelers.
The protocols are aligned with guidelines from the World Health Organization as well as South Africa’s National Institute of Communicable Disease and Department of Health and have been approved by the South African Department of Tourism. They cover, among other things, the designation of Covid-19 health and safety officers and team leaders; requiring visitors to complete medical and travel declarations compulsory temperature monitoring; and standard physical distancing and capacity controls.
Blacky Komani, TBCSA board chairperson, said the manner in which South Africa’s government has dealt with Covid-19 has been lauded as a world-class approach to dealing with the pandemic. “The protocols have gone through a rigorous process. I’m proud to be part of this country. As South Africa, we are ready to receive tourists and do what we do best, which is take care of them when they arrive.”
Sisa Ntshona, CEO of South African Tourism, agreed and added that domestic tourism has currently opened for business travel with partial domestic air travel now allowed. He said: “This move is largely thanks to the sector’s proactive initiatives to de-risk itself. In this regard, the sector is taking the necessary steps to embed evidence-based health and safety measures at all touch points in the tourism value chain. This will go a long way in laying a foundation for a stronger and sustainable tourism sector.”
Ntshona said it is imperative that travelers feel safe and secure. “It goes without saying that health and safety will be top of mind whether we are visiting a local park, attending a conference, going on vacation, boarding a flight or staying at a hotel,” he said. “The need for such reassurance underpins the case for sectorwide health and safety protocols and standards in order to boost traveler confidence.”
Numerous South African hotels, lodges and activities have proactively started implementing the safety protocols and have shared what guests can expect from their travel experience.
Airports in South Africa offer a mainly touchless experience where distancing has become the norm and passengers are requested to scan their own boarding passes. Travelers will also be asked to remove any metal and electronic items at security checkpoints and place the items in a designated tray, a procedure that is not normally practiced on flights within the country. This is to minimize the need for physical pat-downs.
The wearing of masks is currently obligatory in South Africa. On arrival at the lodge or hotel, luggage will be sprayed and wiped down. Hand sanitizer will be available to travelers, and social distancing is expected be observed at all times. Travelers will also be requested to fill out a medical form that inquires about any symptoms they may be experiencing.
Extra care will be taken that meals are served in a safe and responsible way, which means that dining will happen a la carte and buffets will be scrapped. Solo travelers will not be permitted to share a table with strangers due to strict social distancing rules.
The number of people on a game drive vehicle will also be kept to a minimum, although travelers from the same group or family will obviously be able to experience game drives together. Game drive vehicles will be thoroughly sanitized after each use.
In case a traveler feels unwell, some lodges have set up dedicated isolation suites where travelers can get tested. If visitors test positive, it is important to note that South Africa boasts the highest standard of health care in Africa, with an extensive network of private doctors, specialists and clinics.
Although lodges have adapted to the new reality of Covid in their operations, the safari experience remains the same or is even better than before, according to industry players.
Robert More, CEO and founder of the More Family Collection, said that although the hospitality group is committed to doing what it can to curb the spread of Covid-19, none of the efforts will compromise the guest experience.
Said More: “Social distancing may well put space between people, but our business is still reliant on human connections and on the ability to create life-enriching experiences for our visitors. We realize that people will be seeking wide-open spaces, fresh air, beautiful environments and intuitive, warm human service — this is what we intend to deliver. Thankfully, ours is a product where distancing need not be negative: less people on a safari vehicle, for example, can only enhance the experience.”
Marcelo Novais, general manager of Ker & Downey Africa DMC and Grand Africa Safaris, said that even prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, a high level of safety was observed. He said: “For example, our vehicles are new, and our drivers maintain an impeccable level of hygiene during and after each client’s trip. This includes regular cleaning between and even during tours as well as drivers donning gloves. Going forward, our services will continue these high standards of hygiene protocols as well as implement the new regulations, such as wearing masks and implementing social distancing.”
Social distancing is not difficult in Africa, according to the TBCSA’s Komani. “We are not a mass tourism destination. South Africa is known for its space. You can drive for hours without seeing a single soul. We are geared for it,” he said.
Novais agreed, pointing out that Africa’s sought-after wilderness destinations are not densely populated and therefore the virus has had a low impact.
According to Novais, we can expect an influx of luxury and family travelers seeking out safari destinations in 2021. He said that according to a recent survey conducted by Ker & Downey, 63% of clients want to visit Southern Africa going forward.
Said Novais: “We predict that family travel will be highly sought-after once the global travel bans are lifted, as families will be looking to spend quality time together after being cooped up indoors and potentially missing their 2020 family holiday. The combination of travelers seeking exclusive holidays in remote destinations and the postponed bookings from 2020 will pose a challenge for availability in 2021.”
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.
https://www.relocationafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/tobias-fischer-zZLQzxk_MOU-unsplash-scaled.jpg17062560Andrew Stegmannhttps://www.relocationafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/relocationafricagroup.jpgAndrew Stegmann2020-06-29 11:47:452020-06-29 11:47:46Tourism: South Africa Prepares to Welcome the World Again
Mobile money services on the African continent have not only been a great business success story but also a significant social success, as mobile money offers an opportunity to promote greater financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth.
Customers in the Vodacom International markets, including Safaricom, now process more than US$14.7 billion in monthly transactions through the M-Pesa platform. 40 million customers transact through M-Pesa across all Vodacom’s operations, growing at 22% per annum.
Although M-Pesa activity in the short term in some of our markets has been impacted by extended lockdown periods, Vodacom believes that in the longer term, the Coronavirus pandemic could prove to be a catalyst for the increased uptake of mobile money services. The World Health Organisation recently cautioned that cash could contribute towards the transmission of the virus. With ongoing uncertainty around how long it will take to find a vaccine, cashless and contactless mobile money services offer a safer way to conduct business transactions, protecting consumers and merchants alike.
Some countries are actively promoting the use of mobile money services over cash, such as in Vodacom International Business markets Mozambique, the DRC, Lesotho and Ghana, where certain tariff reductions on M-Pesa transactions have been implemented. Together with the Kenyan Central Bank, Safaricom has also implemented a fee-waiver incentive on M-Pesa transactions to encourage consumers to move away from the physical exchange of currency.
Almost all industries have been affected in one way or another by the pandemic. Varying levels of lockdowns implemented and regulations set by governments have restricted the movement of people, reduced trade or temporarily stopped business completely. Cash transactions have reduced in volume, and mobile money transactions are no different. There is however still an inflow and outflow of cash when users make a deposit or withdrawal, which requires frontline M-Pesa agents to complete each transaction.
Depending on each market and the types of lockdown restrictions that are in place, a number of measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of all M-Pesa agents. In Mozambique, Vodacom is assisting 30,000 frontline agents with 25 litre water tanks to ensure that cleanly and hygienic cash transactions are maintained. In Lesotho and Kenya, Vodacom has also contributed funds for agents to acquire cleaning products such as hand sanitizer, soap and other protective equipment. Educational content has been provided on how to ensure a safe and hygienic work environment.
As the pandemic continues, mobile money services are likely to have an even bigger role to play across the continent. Post lockdown there will be a ‘new normal’ way of life. The benefits of mobile financial services will become increasingly clearer, as people and businesses adapt to a brave new world.
By Diego Gutierrez, Vodacom International Business Chief Officer.
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.
https://www.relocationafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Image-1024x683-1.jpg6831024Andrew Stegmannhttps://www.relocationafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/relocationafricagroup.jpgAndrew Stegmann2020-06-11 09:59:502020-06-11 09:59:51COVID-19: Current Status and the Future of Mobile Money Services Across Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke about COVID-19 in South Africa last night, and has declared a national state of disaster.
“Initially, it was people who had traveled out of the country, especially from Italy, who had positively tested for the virus. It is concerning that we are now dealing with internal transmission of the virus,” the president said.
Ramaphosa was addressing the country from the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday after a special Cabinet meeting to discuss matters related to the pandemic.
“We have now declared a national state of disaster. We will set up emergency and rapid response systems,” Ramaphosa said.
The following measures will be in place amongst others:
Limited contact with persons who may be infected.
Travel ban on foreign nationals from high-risk countries such as Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom and China as from 18 March 2020.
Visas from those countries cancelled from today and previously granted visas are now revoked.
South Africans returning from high-risk countries will be subjected to testing and self-quarantine.
Travellers from medium-risk countries – such as Portugal, Hong Kong and Singapore – will be required to undergo high intensity screening.
Gatherings of more than 100 people are now prohibited.
Schools will be closed from Wednesday until after the Easter weekend.
Visits to all correctional facilities cancelled for the next 30 days.
All non-essential travel for all spheres of government outside of the country is prohibited.
We further discourage all non-essential domestic travel, particularly by air, rail, taxis and bus.
Strengthened surveillance, screening and testing measures at OR Tambo, Cape Town and King Shaka International Airports
35 of the 53 land entry points will be closed and 2 out of the 8 sea ports.
Ramaphosa says a national command council has been established that will be meeting three times a week.
He called on everyone to change their behavior including washing their hands frequently and using hand sanitizers, covering the nose and mouth when sneezing, avoiding contact with people with flu-like symptoms and minimizing physical contact.
“We must encourage the elbow greeting,” the president said.
Ramaphosa says the government will be partnering with the private sector to set up a national tracking and monitoring system for all coronavirus cases.
Cabinet is also finalising a fiscal package to help deal with the outbreak, the president said.
To read the President’s full speech, click here. The recorded address can be viewed below.
Relocation Africa
At Relocation Africa, we are taking every effort to ensure the continued safety of our staff and our clients. We are monitoring the situation daily, and will react accordingly. We are committed to following the guidelines as set out by the World Health Organization, as well as the South African Department of Health, and the broader government. We will update our clients and business partners if we make relevant changes to our operations, as necessary.
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], [3]. Image sources: [1], [2].