News in brief

No easy entry into Botswana

The Botswana government will no longer accept emergency travel documents for routine visits to the country by South African citizens, according to the Department of Home Affairs. The use of emergency travel documents would be limited only to emergency situations, which must be supported by documentary proof. South Africans who want to travel to Botswana must acquire proper travel documents that will enable them to enter Botswana.

More tourists visit SA

Foreign visitors to South Africa increased by 15.1 per cent between 2011 and last year – well above the global increase in foreign arrivals of four per cent. Last year, approximately 9.2 million international tourists visited the country.

“It is because South Africans treat visitors warmly and hospitably that we see such positive results,” said President Jacob Zuma, who announced the figures.
Many of the visitors came from the BRICS bloc of countries, which refers to Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa.

SA stand is the fairest of all

South Africa scooped the Best Stand Award for the second year running at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair recently.

More than 20 countries participated in the fair, with Italy and Mozambique’s exhibition stands placed second and third, respectively. Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe received the award from Malawian President Dr Joyce Banda on behalf of the department. Forty-seven South African companies exhibited their goods at the fair.