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Provincial & National

15 February 2021 Media Release: Community Economic Recovery Project injects R3 million into the informal economy; provides food relief in Covid-19 hotspots

 

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

15 February 2021
For Immediate Release

Community Economic Recovery Project injects R3 million into the informal economy; provides food relief in Covid-19 hotspots

Today Premier Alan Winde and Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier, visited Lingelethu Cash Store and Mpumi’s Kitchen, a spaza shop and community kitchen in Khayelitsha that are participants in the Community Economic Recovery Project.

Launched in September 2020, the Community Economic Recovery Project has provided 225 community kitchens in Covid-19 hotspots with digital vouchers every two weeks that are then spent at nearby participating spaza shops. To date over 135 spaza shops have participated in the project.

As a public-private partnership between the Western Cape Government, the DG Murray Trust and the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (EDP), the project supports vulnerable communities during the Covid-19 pandemic by injecting R3 million into the local economy between community kitchens and spaza shops.

Funding for the project has been jointly provided by the Western Cape Government who contributed R2 million and the DG Murray Trust who contributed R1 million, of which 100% will be distributed to the beneficiaries by the end of the project.

After meeting with those who have benefitted from the Community Economic Recovery Project, Premier Alan Winde said: “This project is an innovative way to support local businesses and ensure that we are responding to the humanitarian need in communities at the same time. Throughout the pandemic, the Western Cape Government has always balanced saving lives, with saving livelihoods, and this is just one of a number of ways we have helped to support businesses to continue to operate. This project encompasses two of our key priorities – supporting jobs and dignity and wellbeing.  In my SOPA address on Wednesday, I will be outlining more steps that this government will be taking in response to Covid-19, and to support businesses and grow the economy, and to promote dignity and wellbeing.”

In addition to benefiting communities in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, this initiative has also been implemented in other areas of Cape Town such as Atlantis, Elsies River and Mitchells Plain, and in other municipalities across the Western Cape including Breede Valley, Langeberg, Witzenberg, Drakenstein, Overberg, George and Mossel Bay.

Minister David Maynier thanked all the partners involved in the Community Economic Recovery Project, “This project is a great example of how the public and private sector, together with civil society, can partner quickly, effectively and innovatively in a time of crisis. I look forward to our continued efforts to work together to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy so that we can save businesses and save jobs in the Western Cape.”

Andrew Boraine, CEO of the EDP, said: “By focusing on an urgent social need, this programme has not only supported the retention of jobs in spaza shops by injecting cash into some of the neighbourhoods hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, but it has also provided food relief to vulnerable communities.  Working in collaboration with community kitchens and spaza shops has led to the creation of a dynamic network of entrepreneurs and civil society, from whom we have been able to learn valuable lessons about what is possible for future township economy programmes.”

Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Cell: 071 087 5150

Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

Click here and download the Fact Sheet_Community Economic Recovery Project_210214

5 February 2021 Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update

5 February 2021

The Garden Route District has recorded a 35% decrease in active COVID-19 cases the last 7 days compared to 7 – 14 days ago.

The latest stats for 5 February 2021.

Sub-district Total Active Recovered Died
Hessequa 1 901 83 1 723 95
Mossel Bay 7 140 125 6 811 204
George 11 475 261 10 806 408
Knysna 4 721 63 4 501 157
Bitou 2 653 35 2 514 104
Kannaland 811 42 733 36
Oudtshoorn 3 771 150 3 391 230
TOTAL 32 472 759 30 479 1 234

Vaccine

The first of 1 995 vaccinators from all corners of the health system in the Western Cape have started with training towards administering the COVID-19 vaccine.

The training will equip them with adequate knowledge and skills to ensure safe and efficient COVID-19 vaccine administration. These vaccinators are the backbone of our vaccination programme and will be a major asset in ensuring that as many people as possible are reached within the shortest possible time, with safety and due process at the heart of the roll out.

The number of vaccinators that need to be trained is determined by the NDOH – one vaccinator can vaccinate between 40 to 50 people per day. It is estimated that 414 vaccinators are required for phase one. As the number of people needing to be vaccinated increases in phases 2 and 3, our number of vaccinators will also increase.

Healthcare workers have years of training, experience, and knowledge on administering vaccines. Therefore, the focus of this training will be on specific information related to the COVID-19 vaccine – including the handling, storage, research, product information, data management and reporting aspects of this vaccine.

Healthcare workers are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection and illness. That is why they have been prioritised to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it will be administered in the coming months. Information sessions will continue at health facilities to equip health workers with all the relevant information regarding the vaccine in order for them to make an informed choice.

“I will definitely take the vaccine, particularly because I’ve previously had COVID and I really don’t want to get it again. Also, both my parents are older than 60 years and are on chronic medication and therefore I  rather want to be safe than unnecessarily put their lives at risk”, said Allinda Van Blerk, Assistant Director: Support Services at George Hospital.

Professional Nurse, Asekhona Matinise from Kwanokuthula community day centre will also be getting a COVID-19 vaccine. “I need to protect myself”.

Sr Roslyn Broster is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Virus Testing Unit (VTU) at the George Hospital, and is a COVID-19 survivor herself. She says that she will definitely get the vaccine as she does not want to get sick with COVID again. Broster mentioned that at first she was a bit sceptical about the vaccine, but after speaking to a friend who is a health care worker in Canada who got immunized, aside from the usual flu, experienced no side effects. This has convinced her to also get the vaccine. “  As health care workers we have to do everything in our power to protect ourselves as there is still a long way to go”.

Feature photo: Sr Asekhona Matinise will get the vaccine to protect herself.

END

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic, Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 076 379 5423
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

1 February 2021 Media Release: Procurement Disclosure Report reveals R1.85 billion spent on Covid-19

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 01 February 2021

Release: immediately

 Procurement Disclosure Report reveals R1.85 billion spent on Covid-19  

We are pleased to publish the seventh edition of the Procurement Disclosure Report by Provincial Treasury which affirms our commitment to transparency and clean government in the Western Cape. This edition of the Procurement Disclosure Report confirms that to date R1.854 billion has been committed towards Covid-19 related expenditure across departments and public entities in the 2020/21 financial year in the Western Cape.

For the period 1 April 2020 to 31 December 2020, provincial departments’ total Covid-19 expenditure was R1.851 billion, while provincial public entities’ spent R2.980 million.

A total of R869.660 million, or 46.89%, of all Covid-19 expenditure by provincial departments and public entities was spent with small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs), which exceeds the national target of 30%.

Total Covid-19 procurement expenditure for December 2020 amounted to R78,119 million, of which R78,055 million was spent by provincial departments and R64 332,61 by public entities.

Monthly reporting on all Covid-19 procurement expenditure transactions is available via the National Treasury Covid-19 dashboard with a summary report provided by the Provincial Treasury in the Procurement Disclosure Report.

To access the dashboard and the Procurement Disclosure Report, visit: www.westerncape.gov.za/provincial-treasury/procurement-disclosure-report.

For more information and to submit feedback or suggestion on improvements to the Public Disclosure Report please email to our Supplier Helpdesk.

 Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Cell: 071 087 5150

Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

If you do not want to receive future media releases from Minister David Maynier then please reply directly to this email requesting to be removed from our mailing list.

28 January 2021 Garden Route Covid infections continues to decrease – we need to save jobs urgently

Garden Route Covid infections continues to decrease – we need to save jobs urgently

28 January 2021

The reduction in the number of covid infections in the Garden Route is a clear demonstration that the current hotspot declaration of the area should be lifted.

After a short period where cases plateaued, the Garden Route is once again on a downward trajectory, with a  49% drop in the last week. Since 1 January the weekly number of new cases reduced from 1 975 to 296 between 22 – 26 January 2021, resembling those seen around 11 November 2020.

As the Western Cape Government’s lead in response to covid-19 for the entire Garden Route, I therefore call on President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently repeal this declaration, while also taking heed of Premier Alan Winde’s submissions to him.

The people of the Garden Route have clearly shown that they are adhering to all the regulations, and I am certain President Ramaphosa does not want to replace the health pandemic with an economic disaster.

I’d like to take this opportunity and thank all our health and other frontline workers who are steadfast in their commitment to assist and support our people. Your work is not going unnoticed and we applaud your tireless efforts. Further to this, I also thank our partners across the various sectors and particularly our communities at large for diligently playing their part in combatting the spread of covid and ensuring that the infection rate could be reversed.

Since our collective call to adhere to all the regulations the entire Garden Route demonstrated their resilience, and this along with the behaviour change is commendable.

I’d like to urge President Cyril Ramaphosa to be rational and take this opportunity to show the people of this region that he acknowledges our efforts and therefore agrees with the various proposals which Premier Alan Winde’s has placed before him. Amongst others, these include opening our beaches, relaxing the curfew time and allowing liquor trading within a limited period. This will bring about an immediate economic boost, which is desperately needed in the area.

In order for us to continue saving lives, I also encourage all citizens of the Garden Route to wear a mask, regularly wash or sanitise our hands, keep a safe distance of at least 1,5m and at all cost avoid gatherings where space can be an issue.

The onus remains on us if we’re to continue reducing the infection rate.

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
021 483 3397 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)

or

Nathan Adriaanse
Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations
Tel: 021 483 2868
Mobile: 083 2631720
Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za

25 January 2021 Media release: Garden Route Health platform update

25 January 2021

The Garden Route District has shown a 43% decline in new COVID-19 cases the past 7 days compared to 7-14 days previously as well as a decline in hospitalisations.

“We are optimistic about the decline in numbers but remain vigilant in order to contain any cluster outbreaks through responding as early as possible. We have to maintain our momentum of surveillance and monitoring as a Department but also rely on the community to keep up with the protective behaviours (wearing a mask at all times in public, avoiding crowded spaces, avoiding spaces with poor ventilation and maintaining social distancing) that has brought about the gains which we now see”, said District Director of Health Mr Zee Brickles.

Sub-district Total Active Recovered Died
Hessequa 1 806 239 1 483 84
Mossel Bay 7 041 347 6 498 196
George 11 322 549 10 400 373
Knysna 4 680 163 4 363 154
Bitou 2 624 119 2 402 103
Kannaland 768 109 631 28
Oudtshoorn 3 687 286 3 179 222
TOTAL 31 928 1 812 28 956 1 160

Increasing our protection through vaccination                                                           

It is estimated that 1 000 000 vaccines will be made available for all frontline workers in South Africa in January, including those in the public and private sector, care workers, community health workers, etc. A further 500 000 vaccines will be made available in South Africa in February.

The roll-out will be executed in a phased approach, with the first phase targeting healthcare workers. The second phase will target essential workers, people in congregate settings, persons older than 60 years, and persons older than 18 years with comorbidities. The third phase is envisioned to target people older than 18 years who has not been vaccinated during the first two phases.

Western Cape Government will play a stewardship role. Administration of these vaccines forms part of the vaccine roll-out strategy. The Department is working on this strategy, including the logistics thereof, with the input of private sector roleplayers. More engagements on the finer details of this plan will be made available once finalised. This is a massive operation that requires a multi-sectoral approach and the support of public, private and all parts of civil society.

END

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic, Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 076 379 5423

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

7 December 2020 Media Release: Adherence to all Health Protocols is critical in combatting COVID-19

Media Release: Adherence to all Health Protocols is critical in combatting COVID-19

For Immediate Release
7 December 2020

It is very important that every single person in the Garden Route District (GRD) either starts or continues to observe and adhere to all covid protocols. This is the only way we would be able to bring a speedy halt to the current surge in terms of the high infection rate in the area. I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who are adhering to the health protocols and also thank our frontline staff for their continued commitment in fighting against the virus.

As at Sunday, 6 December 2020, the GRD had 18 406 cases, of which 13 765 recovered, meaning there are currently 4 078 active cases in the area. Compared to a week earlier, on 29 November 2020, the GRD had 16 197 cases with 12 025 recoveries and 3675 active cases.

As the lead for the Western Cape Government (WCG) in the GRD, I’m deeply concerned with these statistics. Over the coming days, I intend engaging the leadership in the GRD Municipality, Faith Based and other relevant organisations, as well as community leaders, as we have to as a collective address the current surge in the area.

It is deeply worrying to note that there are still those who do not see the need to wear a mask when they’re outside of their homes. We can avoid a situation where stricter measures are enforced if we actively work together to combat the spread of the virus.

We might sound like a stuck record, but must urge all resident in the GRD to wear a mask, sanitise or wash their hands, keep a safe distance of over 1,5m in social settings and wherever possible, avoid large gatherings, particularly in small spaces where social distancing might be a challenge.

From a health perspective our hospitals do have the required equipment and personnel to ensure that patients are assisted, as additional resources have been made available.

Let’s do our bit to vigorously fight against the spread of the virus.

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o) / 082 721 3362 (m)

Or

Nathan Adriaanse

Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Tell: 021 483 2868 / Mobile: 083 2631720

Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za

2 December 2020 Western Cape Government Disaster Centre Covid-19 Alert #4

Western Cape Government Disaster Centre Covid-19 Alert #4

2 December 2020 
Disaster Centre Covid-19 Alert #4
 
Western Cape municipalities are open for tourism this festive season with all visitors requested to work with the authorities in curbing the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, says municipalities are doing everything within their power to ensure holidaymakers, visitors and locals enjoy a safe and happy festive season.

“We cannot wait to welcome visitors to our municipalities at the end of a very tough year but we are alerting people to the fact that Covid-19 numbers are increasing. And we are asking people to work with us by being responsible and doing everything they can to help reduce the risk of infection or spreading the virus.”

Bredell says the province is opposed to a lockdown and blunt measures, and needs the help of every person to reduce the numbers of infections and hospitalisations so that we can save lives and livelihoods.
“If we all work together, we can have both a happy and a safe holiday season throughout the Western Cape as well as successfully combat the spread of this virus.”

Due to the risks of Covid-19 spreading at major gatherings of people, some places in Western Cape have decided to stop all mass public gatherings until the resurgence gets under control.

This is primarily with regards to events where organisers need to apply for permits. These permits will not be granted in the Garden Route while some parts of the Central Karoo has already made public facilities unavailable for events.

However, there are still many wonderful and safe ways to enjoy all parts of our province, that will prevent the spread of Covid-19 and we encourage you to explore these exciting opportunities.

“The provincial disaster centre and our stakeholders will continue to enforce existing disaster management regulations across the province with roadblocks, blitzes and unannounced visits to high risk areas to ensure compliance over the holiday season. Our partners include national SAPS, municipal law enforcement, the departments of labour and health, to name a few.”

Bredell is also calling on visitors and locals in the province to be patient with officials and other workers in government over the coming weeks.
“Staff across the province remain under high risk of infection after a very tough year. In addition, in many hotspot areas, staff are on skeleton crews, reducing the ability to address problems promptly. We ask for patience and understanding in this regard. Problems will be addressed as soon as possible.”

Members of the public, businesses and other organisations who wish to report violations of COVID-19 protocols can do so as follows:

> Using the online complaint form available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-business-safety-complaint-form
> Dial *134*234# to report non-compliance of public transport
> For COVID-19 health related queries, the provincial COVID-19 toll-free hotline number is 080 928 4102
> For general queries, the Western Cape Government’s contact centre can be reached on 0860 142 142

ENDS

Western Cape Government Logo

1 December 2020 Western Cape Government Disaster Centre Covid-19 Alert #3

Western Cape Government Disaster Centre Covid-19 Alert #3

For Immediate Release
1 December 2020

Some regions in the Western Cape will no longer allow public events which may lead to large numbers of people. Public facilities and venues in these regions are also no longer available to the public in ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, says at the moment the Garden Route has taken the decision to disallow all planned events in the regions until further notice.
“The region is seeing increases in covid-19 infections. In addition there is an expectation of large numbers of visitors over the next few weeks which further increases the risk of infection. This requires drastic action which we not afraid to take.”

The PDMC and its stakeholders are already enforcing existing disaster management regulations across the province with roadblocks, blitzes and unannounced visits to high risk areas to ensure compliance.

“Our work comes down to enforcing disaster management protocols to help slow down the spread of the virus in the Western Cape. We are doing enforcement with the resources at our disposal and in partnership with national SAPS, municipal law enforcement, the departments of labour and health, to name a few.”

Bredell says provincial disaster management was generally happy with the levels of compliance found on Black Friday and the ensuing weekend.

“There was a few incidents where problems were found but these were speedily addressed. We hope that similar compliance will follow in the weeks ahead,” says Bredell.

Some of the enforcement steps taken across the province to date include:

  • Black Friday Blitzes, roadblocks and visible enforcement in high risk areas.
  • George Municipality has closed all sports facilities and public venues.
  • Kannaland municipality has followed suit and closed all facilities including town halls.
  • All events in George has been cancelled and venues are unavailable for events.
  • Taverns, fuel stations on major routes and mass transportation hubs will continue to be visited to ensure compliance.
  • Municipal guidelines for camping facilities and venues where holidaymakers may find themselves is being formulated.

“The Covid Pandemic is not a sprint. It is a marathon. We are all in this marathon together and if we all work together, more of us will reach the end of this pandemic and certainly much sooner. If we don’t work together in the coming weeks, we may see the situation get increasingly worse.”

Members of the public, businesses and other organisations who wish to report violations of COVID-19 protocols can do so as follows:

> Using the online complaint form available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-business-safety-complaint-form
> Dial *134*234# to report non-compliance of public transport
> For COVID-19 health related queries, the provincial COVID-19 toll-free hotline number is 080 928 4102
> For general queries, the Western Cape Government’s contact centre can be reached on 0860 142 142

ENDS.

Media enquiries:
James-Brent Styan
Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell
Mobile: 084 583 1670
Telephone: 021 483 2820
E-mail: James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za

23 November 2020 Media Release: Garden Route District COVID-19 Update 

Media Release: Garden Route District COVID-19 Update 

For Immediate Release
23 November 2020

We’re all eager to get back to our pre-COVID-19 lives and managing the risks can help us get there faster. The way we behave and socialise over the coming weeks will be crucial in the fight against a second wave. As we head into the Festive Season many workplaces will be having their annual year-end function. These events have been identified as a risk as they could easily become “COVID-19 Super spreader events”.  The Department appeals to each and every business and individual to reconsider hosting these events and to rather do these virtually at this time, or postpone them until we have gained control over the resurgence we are experiencing. Where a social event cannot be avoided, we encourage guests and hosts to:

  • Have it outside because fresh air is better
  • Review the capacity of a venue – if you cannot maintain 1.5m then consider an alternative venue
  • Avoid queues and close contact where possible
  • Ensure the venue you are at has its windows open to ensure fresh air circulation and where possible, try and sit close to a window that is open.
  • If inside, keep masks on whenever possible (when not eating and ensure that masks cover the mouth and nose)
  • Venues should have an attendance register which must be completed by every guest so that all contacts can be traced if a need arise
  • If you are sick or experiencing any flu-like symptoms, STAY at home

Daily stats update as of 23 November 2020:

Sub-district Total Active Recovered Died
Hessequa 440 40 380 20
Mossel Bay 3 004 369 2 552 83
George 5 207 1 018 4 056 133
Knysna 2 147 423 1 669 55
Bitou 1 080 293 753 34
Kannaland 150 3 145 2
Oudtshoorn 1 726 83 1 525 118
TOTAL 13 754 2 229 11 080 445

 Hospitalisations

From our latest available information, there are 160 patients in hospital of which 50 are in high care or ICU.

Quarantine and Isolation  

If you cannot safely isolate at home we urge you to make use of our quarantine and isolation facilities where you will receive temporary care away from home. Transport to and from the facility will be provided, as well as food, laundry services, and waste disposal.

Sick? Stay home and call 080 928 4102 or visit https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/health

END

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic,Plettenberg Bay

Tel: 076 379 5423
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

Media Release: SafeTravels.CapeTown website launched to assist tourists visiting Cape Town and the Western Cape

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 03 November 2020

Release: immediately

SafeTravels.CapeTown website launched to assist tourists visiting Cape Town and the Western Cape 

Today (03 November 2020), we launched the Safe Travels website, which was developed by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism together with our destination marketing and promotion agency, Wesgro, to help domestic and international tourists to navigate the restrictions on travel and be informed about the important health and safety protocols they need to follow when visiting Cape Town and the Western Cape.

The Safe Travels website also aims to inspire confidence in Cape Town and the Western Cape as a destination, and give peace of mind to those travelling for business or leisure.

You can visit this website at safetravels.capetown

As a result of national government’s risk-based approach to international travel and the ‘red list’ of countries restricted to travel to South Africa, there is still much confusion and uncertainty in the travel and tourism industry, especially as the ‘red list’ is not being reviewed consistently every two weeks as promised. (The last update was on the 19 October 2020.)

And so, to guide tourists and ensure their visit to Cape Town and the Western Cape is as hassle-free as possible, our Safe Travels website provides the latest information on travel restrictions and the ‘red list’, as well as visa requirements and the latest Covid-19 health and safety information.

The content for the Safe Travels website was largely developed using social listening tools which provided real-time insights into what potential travelers to South Africa and the Western Cape are concerned about so that we could develop the right content to help address these concerns.

To assist tourists in distress, the Tourism Safety Support Unit at the Department of Economic Development and Tourism are also available to answer queries via email.

Travellers looking to visit the Western Cape, and who require assistance can send their questions to tourismsafety@westerncape.gov.za

On the launch of the Safe Travels website Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris, said: “Featuring safety news, FAQ’s and safety initiatives implemented in the province,  SafeTravels.CapeTown has been established as the ‘go to’ page for all visitors coming to enjoy the world-class tourism experience on offer in the province. We invite visitors to peruse the site and put their minds at ease knowing that Cape Town and the Western Cape is travel ready.”

Welcoming the launch of the website, Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier, said, “By providing this one-stop-shop for travellers, we hope to convince tourists who are deciding where to book their next holiday, that they can confidently choose to visit Cape Town and the Western Cape because we are travel ready.

“The Safe Travels website is an example of the many ways that we have worked hard since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to support businesses, especially tourism businesses in the Western Cape.”

Minister David Maynier also added: “International markets are a key economic driver for the tourism sector in the Western Cape, especially during the summer season, and will be critical to the survival of the sector. Which is why we have maintained from the start that national government must scrap the ‘red list’ and allow all visitors entry into South Africa subject to presenting a negative PCR test conducted at least 72 hours prior to departure, together with screening protocols.

“There is simply no greater risk for transmission of the Covid-19 virus based on the purpose of travel, yet the negative impact of continuing to limit the entry of leisure travellers to South Africa, especially from our key source markets, is severe and extreme. Cape Town and the Western Cape are open and we are travel ready! Our proposed alternative approach to international travel will ensure we can re-open the economy safely to prevent further job losses in the Western Cape and South Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Notes for media:
To read the statement online, watch the videos and download a soundbyte from Minister Maynier visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/safetravelscapetown-website-launched-assist-tourists-visiting-wc

Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Tel: 021 483 4327

Cell: 071 087 5150

Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za