The tourism sector remains a cornerstone of the South African economy, driving economic growth and job creation. While various provinces are vying for the title of South Africas top tourist destination, Gauteng has consistently emerged as the popular choice for both domestic and international visitors.In a recent parliamentary response to the DAs Haseena Ismail, Tourism minister Patricia de Lille unpacked some of the key figures in the countrys critical sector since 2022.According to the minister, of the approximately ~5.7 million international tourists that visited South Africa between January and December of 2022, 2.3 million visited Gauteng, followed by Mpumalanga at 1.2 million and the Western Cape at 0.9 million.Between January and December 2023, there were ~8.5 million international arrivals, where 3.7 million visited Gauteng, 1.8 million Mpumalanga and 1.3 million the Western Cape.This top three province trend has continued in the first half of 2024, with 1.98 million visiting Gauteng, 1.04 million visiting Mpumalanga, and 0.7 million visiting the Western Cape.Citing the South African Tourism Departure Survey, de Lille said that international tourism contributed R189.6 billion in revenue (foreign direct spend) between April 2022 and June 2024.This is seen through:¢April 2022-March 2023: R74.6 billion;April 2023-March 2024: R95.1 billion;April 2024-June 2024: R19.9 billion.It is estimated that international visitor spending will reach R131.8 billion in 2024 (January to December).Looking at domestic trips between January and December 2022, approximately 5.6 million domestic trips were taken to Limpopo, making it the most visited province. Gauteng followed closely with 5.3 million trips, and the Eastern Cape saw around 5.2 million trips.In 2023, the trend continued with 7.5 million trips to Limpopo, 6.9 million to Gauteng, and 5.9 million to the Eastern Cape, indicating a growing interest in these provinces. KwaZulu Natal, with 5.4 million trips, also remained popular.By the first half of 2024, Limpopo had 2.8 million trips, Gauteng saw 3.6 million, and the Eastern Cape had 2.4 million trips. De Lille said that between April 2022 and June 2024, domestic tourism contributed ~R257.4 billion in revenue.According to the South African Tourism Domestic Survey, this is made up of:April 2022-March 2023: R103.8 billion;April 2023-March 2024: R123.8 billion;April 2024-June 2024: R29.8 billion.Going forwardAccording to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), tourisms contribution to South Africas GDP naturally dipped during COVID-19 but recovered to 8.2% in 2023. It is estimated to rise to 8.8% by the end of 2024 and reach 10.4% of GDP by 2030.According to WTTC statistics, South Africas tourism sector employed 1.46 million people in 2023 and is expected to grow to nearly 1.7 million jobs in 2024.The WTTC further projects that employment in the tourism sector for South Africa is projected to grow to and 2.23 million jobs in 2030.Tourism remains a vital sector in South Africa, essential for economic growth and job creation, said the Department of Tourism.While the global tourism market is on the path to recovery, South Africa must intensify its efforts to align with global and regional growth trends.Strategic investments in marketing, infrastructure, and policy adjustments are critical to ensuring South Africa maximises its potential in this vital sector, added the department.

Many Africans have shown high interest in travelling to European countries within the Schengen area. The Schengen visa, which allows free movement across 27 European nations, has become a common entry point for Africans exploring Europe for business, tourism, and personal reasons. As visa applications increase, some African countries have emerged as leading sources of applications for these travel permits. The increase in Schengen visa applications reflects a rise in African migration, driven by structural and governance challenges. If current trends continue, cross-border migration from Africa could reach 11 to 12 million by 2050. Since 1990, the African diaspora has grown significantly, with Europe hosting 11 million, Asia 5 million, and North America 3 million African-born migrants, making Europe the largest destination.Here are the top 6 African countries with the highest Schengen visa applications 1. MoroccoMorocco leads the list in Africa, with 591,401 applications for Schengen visas, making it the fourth largest applicant globally. Moroccans strong interest in Europe as a destination can be linked to the countrys geographic proximity and historic ties to nations such as France and Spain. This demand reflects a combination of social, economic, and educational pursuits. Moroccan applicants form a crucial component of Europes tourism and business visa applicants, marking their place as Africas most active Schengen visa seekers. 2. AlgeriaAlgeria follows with 474,032 Schengen visa applications, placing it sixth in the world. Much like Morocco, Algerias historic connections to Europe, especially France, play a significant role in the volume of applications. Many Algerians seek opportunities to visit family, pursue higher education, or explore economic opportunities in Europe. Algerias substantial demand underlines a continued connection with Europe, especially given the existing diaspora and established ties across the Mediterranean. 3. South AfricaSouth Africa ranks third in Africa and twelfth globally, with 204,221 Schengen visa applications. South Africans often seek travel opportunities in Europe for tourism, education, and business. The countrys citizens pursue a range of experiences and partnerships, reflecting South Africas diverse economic engagements with Europe. This steady demand highlights South Africas position as a major African player in international mobility, with Europe as a top destination for travel and career development.4. Tunisia Tunisia recorded 159,740 Schengen visa applications, ranking nineteenth worldwide. Tunisians often view Europe as an accessible destination due to Tunisias geographic location on the Mediterranean coast. Many applicants are motivated by educational and professional aspirations, along with tourism. Despite challenges, Tunisians consistently demonstrate a strong interest in European travel, connecting to the regions dynamic social and economic landscape. 5. NigeriaWith 105,926 Schengen visa applications, Nigeria holds the fifth position in Africa and ranks twenty-third globally. Nigerians apply for Schengen visas for a mix of purposes, including education, business, and family visits. The growing Nigerian diaspora across Europe is also a factor, creating sustained interest in travel and mobility. For Nigerians, Europe represents both opportunity and access to a range of economic, academic, and social pathways, underlining Nigerias presence in global travel trends. 6. AngolaAngola rounds out the top six with 72,549 applications, placing thirtieth in the world. Angolas growing demand for Schengen visas signals an emerging interest in Europe, likely influenced by expanding educational and business opportunities. Angolan applicants, similar to other African nationals, see Europe as a space for growth and connection. Angolas inclusion in this list highlights the increasing mobility of its citizens in seeking opportunities abroad, particularly in the European context.

They are facing charges of contravening various sections of the Immigration Act.Two men accused of producing fake home affairs documents have been released on bail.Khalid Hoosen, 58, and Sirajbhai Isiyailbhai Patel, 56, made their second appearance in the Durban Magistrates Court in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on Tuesday.National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said they are facing charges of contravening various sections of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No.13 of 2002).BailThe charges pertain to the two men allegedly unlawfully producing documentation purporting to be documents issued by the national Department of Home Affairs, and allegedly operating an office providing the services of an immigration practitioner when they were not authorised to do so.Their appearance was for bail verification and bail was set at R20 000 for each of them. In addition, their bail conditions included that they report to the Durban Central Police Station once a week and that they surrender their passports to the Investigating Officer, Ramkisson-Kara said.The case was postponed to 15 February 2025 for further investigations.Clandestine home affairs officeLast month, three people were arrested after police uncovered an office allegedly used to help foreign nationals gain South African citizenships through illegal marriages to South African women in KZN.An intelligence-led operation by Crime Intelligence officers, working together with Metro Police Tactical Support Unit, Sydenham Trio Task Team and Home Affairs Immigration officers uncovered the clandestine home affairs office.Illegal marriage certificatesKZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the facility was used to facilitate illegal marriages and spousal visas at a block of flats on Matthews Meyiwa Road in Greyville.Netshiunda said officers found marriage applications which were still yet to be processed, original identity documents (ID), and certified copies of IDs.Netshiunda said preliminary investigations have identified a KZN home affairs official who has been working with the suspects.He said more arrests cannot be ruled out as investigations unfold.

The Department of Home Affairs is considering launching a premium service that would allow South Africans to pay extra to fast-track their document applications.This is according to Thomas Sigama, the Deputy Director-General for Civic Services at Home Affairs, who was answering questions before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs.Home Affairs is responsible for identity documents and smart IDs, passports, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and death certificates. It also issues various permits, including permanent residency and work visas.When all is well, and we have already concluded our tests¦ we will come and present those initiatives to the committee, Sigama said.Sigama made his comments following a presentation on the departments efforts to combat corruption and fraud affecting South Africas identity documents, including passports and visas.A report from the Counter Corruption and Security Services branch at Home Affairs revealed that between April 2022 and September 2024, 727 cases have been investigated.Data analysis uncovered the involvement of South African citizens, officials and foreign nationals in the unlawful processing of South African passports at different Home Affairs offices during the day and night,its presentation stated.Following multi-disciplinary investigations, Home Affairs said thirteen people, including the kingpin behind the passport fraud scheme, received jail sentences ranging from 4 to 26 years.Another 21 people involved in the passport photo swap scheme are still awaiting criminal trial.âSome matters are still under investigation with the Hawks, and more arrests are imminent, the counter-corruption branchs presentation said.In addition to investigating domestic officials, the branch also said that there have been cases against Home Affairs and Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) officials stationed at foreign missions.These include the High Commissions in Accra (Ghana), Beijing (China), and Tunisia (North Africa).Investigators visited the High Commission in Accra to investigate the unlawful processing of visa applications by an official who was at the Assistant Director level. The matter was referred to Employee Engagement and subsequently to the multi-disciplinary task team.In Beijing, investigators looked into the unlawful processing of inter-company transfer visas by two officials. The matter was also referred, with one official dismissed and another resigning.The Tunisian investigation involves the 95 Libyan nationals who were arrested in Mpumalanga, where they were undergoing security training.Home Affairs said Dirco officials issued study visas to the individuals. The foreigners have been deported and the case referred to Dirco for further handling.The counter-corruption branch said its main challenge was a lack of capacity, as it was operating at 28% of its staff complement.This increases the time it takes to finalise investigations, and prevents it from conducting more awareness programmes and implementing prevention measures such as big data analytics.The Department of Home Affairs has said that its long-term goal to eliminate fraud and corruption was to digitally transform the institution and minimise opportunities for human intervention in document applications.Home affairs minister Leon Schreiber has said their future end-to-end digital platform that will handle all applications, adjudications, and communications between South Africans and the department.After an online application for an ID, passport, certificate, or visa is submitted, a machine-learning-based risk engine will verify the completeness of the application.The system will authenticate users, check for fraudulent documents, conduct facial recognition checks, cross-reference databases, process cashless transactions, and communicate the outcome to the applicant  all within seconds.No more standing in queues, no more waiting months or years for an outcome, no more being kept in the dark about the status of an application, Schreiber said.And no more space for officials or syndicates to solicit bribes for a transaction to be processed.Once the system is in place, Schreiber said Home Affairs could deliver services to South Africans anywhere in the world.There is also no logical reason why we cannot offer a service where IDs and passports are delivered to the door of the applicant anywhere in the world  again, exactly like we already do in the banking sector with debit and credit cards, he said.The platform will allow citizens to access Home Affairs services online through a secure portal, comparable to widely used online banking platforms.Schreiber said they could create secure profiles of every citizen and visitor to South Africa using existing facial and fingerprint recognition technology, such as the Face ID and fingerprint features found on smartphones.He said if the department gets this right, the need to visit Home Affairs for routine transactions will be eliminated.This shift would also enhance the work environment for department staff, allowing them to focus on more exciting and productive tasks.This would include devoting our staff to serving those who truly need it most, said Schreiber.Including the poorest members of our society, people in rural areas, the 10% of South Africans who dont yet use smart devices, and those exceptional or complicated cases that require more resources to resolve.

Passports are essential travel documents when applying for a visa and your ticket to seeing the world.South African residents looking to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) now have the option to apply for their visas at VFS Global centres around the country. VFS Global announced that it was awarded the contract to provide UK visa services in 142 countries worldwide. This means that South African travellers can now book appointments to submit their visa applications through the agency at its Visa Application Centres (VAC) located in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria. The announcement, effective from October 22, comes ahead of peak travel as both countries look forward to Christmas and the festive season.According to VFS Global, customers applying for a UK visa will be directed to VFS Global to book an appointment to complete their visa application and they will also have the option to choose additional services designed to make the application process easier.UK visa customers can now choose from a range of optional services offered by VFS Global to provide enhanced comfort and convenience. These include document upload assistance, Prime Time for application submission outside of business hours, SMS notifications, document checking service, and courier return of the passport once a decision has been made said VFS.It also said that they can submit their UK visa applications from the comfort and safety of their homes, offices or any other preferred location with their On Demand Mobile Visa service. VFS Globals Keep My Passport While Applying service allows customers to keep their passports once their application is submitted and biometrics have been enrolled. Customer will only need to re-submit their passport when a decision is reached,said the agency.Commenting on the launch of the new Centres, Alok Singhal, Head- Sub-Saharan Africa, VFS Global, said, they are excited to embark on this new journey with UK Visas and Immigration here in South Africa.We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003 and look forward to now bringing travellers from South Africa our best-in-class services, said Singhal. The services can be booked in advance on https://apo-opa.co/4f4Yw1G or at the Visa Application Centre at the time of the appointment. These services are completely optional and have no bearing on the processing timeline and outcomes of visa applications.