UK decision to ban SA travel 'rushed', says govt
The South African government has described the decision by the United Kingdom (UK) to ban travel from the country, as rushed.
On Thursday, the UK banned all travel from South Africa and five other Southern African countries, hours after the confirmation of a new coronavirus variant, B.1.1.529.
The latest variant is believed to be behind the surge in new Covid-19 cases in South Africa.
Minister of the Department of International Relations and Co-Operation, Naledi Pandor, says the government will be engaging the UK.
ALSO READ: New Covid-19 cases in South Africa more than double in 24 hours
“Our immediate concern is the damage that this decision will cause to both the tourism industries and businesses of both countries.
“South Africa will engage the UK government with the view to persuade them to reconsider this decision.”
Other southern African countries that have been placed on the UK’s red list are Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
The ban is set to come into effect from midday on Friday.
Meanwhile, Breakfast with Martin Bester has spoken with Dr Richard Lessells,
an Infectious Diseases Specialist, about the new variant and what South
Africans can expect. Listen to this morning's interview below.
