Tourism operators are being urged to remain vigilant ahead of planned anti-immigration protests on June 30 although industry bodies say there is currently no indication of widespread disruption to travel in South Africa.
Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has confirmed that all police leave has been cancelled and operational plans have been finalised amid rising tensions in several parts of the country, reports News24.
Tourism sector urges calm
SATSA has advised members to take precautionary steps, particularly around urban movement and road transfers.
The association emphasised that South Africa remains open for travel, urging operators to monitor updates from law enforcement, local authorities, airports and airlines and to verify travel routes before departure.
SATSA recommended allowing extra travel time where necessary, avoiding areas affected by protests or road disruptions and ensuring guides, drivers and operational teams have clear emergency procedures in place.
Additionally, SATSA is calling on operators to communicate calmly and factually with clients, avoid sharing unverified information and to reassure travellers that tourism operations will continue while routes and itineraries are managed with safety as the primary consideration.
However, others have voiced concerns about the potential reputational impact of the unrest, particularly in terms of African arrivals. Former African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has warned that violent incidents targeting foreign nationals could deter key African source markets, reports Inside Politics. She cautioned that anti-immigrant sentiment and xenophobic violence risk damaging tourism demand from across the continent.
Security plans activated
Speaking in Cape Town on Tuesday, June 23, after meeting South African Police Service leadership and community policing representatives, Cachalia said authorities are already monitoring potential flashpoints and will not wait for violence to erupt before intervening.
“We’re not waiting for the disruption to happen,” he said, adding that, while citizens have the constitutional right to peaceful protest, any violent or criminal behaviour will be met with firm action.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has also moved to reassure residents that provincial authorities are collaborating closely with law enforcement to ensure protests do not descend into violence. Gauteng is expected to be one of the main focal points of demonstrations.
“We will not allow anyone to use the protest as an excuse for taking the law into their own hands,” Lesufi said in a statement, adding that “zero tolerance” will apply to any criminal activity.
