* *Cabinet is expected to decide on Wednesday on the resumption of
international travel.*
* *But there are strings attached. *
* *The NCCC has recommended strict visa requirements for anyone
entering the country. *
President Cyril Ramaphosa's Cabinet is expected to agree to the
resumption of international travel and the reopening of borders on
Wednesday.
However, News24 understands that the Natjoints have warned against
opening up South Africa's borders for international tourists en masse,
citing fears of a second wave of Covid-19 infections.
Ramaphosa is expected to announce the move to Level 1 of the lockdown,
including the lifting of the curfew, among others, once Cabinet gives
the plans a green light.
The president is also expected to announce a stimulus package for
economic recovery.
Sources say the National Coronavirus Command Council has deliberated
restricting international tourism but allowing movement through permission.
According to the recommendation Cabinet will decide on, people will be
allowed to enter and exit the country with strict visa requirements.
This is to ensure that travellers from high-risk countries will be
excluded from travel to South Africa.
As part of this plan, only three international airports will be open,
subject to strict conditions, insiders say.
Land borders will only be opened to those who have visas - in contrast
to the usual free flow of travel between SADC countries
Holders of Zimbabwean Special Dispensation and Lesotho Special
Dispensation permits will be allowed to travel easily.
Two insiders privy to the deliberations said the Natjoints raised
concerns about a second wave of the virus due to possible imported cases.
As a result, the country will not be open for all tourists.
The list of countries that will be restricted from travelling to South
Africa is expected to be finalised on Wednesday.
It has also been recommended that state-sponsored quarantine should be
done away with and that international travellers should carry their own
costs.
It is understood that foreign nationals who have work visas will be
allowed to enter, as well as family members of people who have work
visas and South Africans who are abroad and want to come home.