Festive travelers across S. African ports of entry rise by 3.78 pct

People traveling through the South African ports of entry nationally increased by 3.78 percent between December 9, 2016 and January 14, 2017 as compared to the previous year.

At a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, South African Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba said, the top 10 nationalities that arrived in the country over the festive period were from Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, Botswana, the United Kingdom, the United States, Namibia, Germany and Zambia.

He said, "I am happy to announce that, movements recorded at ports of entry nationally amount to a total of 5,504,022. In spite of perceptions in some quarters, South Africa remains an attractive tourist destination."

Gigaba said there was a marked increase in the movement of people and goods across borders for different reasons. Some were for cross-border employment, business, academic and educational endeavors.

He said, "We also observed a high number of travelers crossing borders for holiday and tourist purposes, which is one of important priorities for the country."

He also noted that the border operational hours were extended to facilitate the movement of people and goods. Additional staffs were also added at the points of entry.

The minister said security alert was raised during the festive periods to prevent illegal immigrants and those considered undesirable in the country.

Gigaba also revealed that on December 16, 2016 an ISIS member was denied entry into the country and sent back.

Gigaba said they want to put more resources in the next financial year and increase the employees to maintain efficiency and ensure the safety of the citizens and tourists. Endit