I really don't think this change in SA politics will have any long-term negative effect on the tourism industry. Internal party politics don't seem to interest travellers. If there were unrest then it would be another story. As long as change happens peacefully I don't think anyone cares.
Politically, I think a good thing has happened. A split in the ANC is exactly what SA needs. SA has effectively been a one-party state, which is never a good idea, especially in Africa. Ousting Mbeki, in my opinion, couldn't have happened soon enough. He may have been very effective in financial aspects during his term as president, but a leader he has never been. His management of the HIV/Aids crisis and Zimbabwe effectively destroyed his legacy. I read once that he has done for SA's image what Borat did for Kazakhstan and I tend to agree.
I think there will certainly be more turmoil in SA's political future, especially considering the elections next year. I believe, however, that SA will prevail and with the World Cup in 2010 the world will once again believe in SA as it did after 1994.
As a final note: The world sees SA very much in the light that SA sees itself. If the people of SA remain positive and upbeat, the outside world will follow suit, but if the people start to doubt and panic there will be a downfall of the country. As a South African, living and operating my business in Germany I realise very much how my attitude towards SA and Africa in general effects my prospective clients. From a business point of view I have to sell the positive aspects, but I would not be successful if I truly did not believe in what I have said.
Jeffrey van Staden
Elangeni African Adventures
