South Africa ups and downs

Mirroring the theme of this month’s travelbulletin cover story, it’s been a very mixed few weeks for South Africa. There would have been jubilation among the country’s tourism industry at the announcement of the relaxation of the requirement for anyone travelling with children to have original copies of birth certificates. Initially introduced in 2015 to combat child trafficking, the measure required families wanting to visit the country to provide full, unabridged birth certificates showing the names of both parents – and in the case of one parent travelling alone with their children, a signed affidavit from the other parent showing their consent was required.

Understandably, many families wanting to travel to

South Africa found it all too difficult and chose alternative destinations for their holidays, and the impact on the country’s tourism sector has been significant – not to mention the travails of airline staff forced to deny boarding to holidaymakers without the required documentation. The waiver applies to citizens of all countries who are able to visit South Africa without a visa – but is still in place for South African families.

Unfortunately the sweetness of that moment was rapidly dissipated by a walkout by South African Airways staff. The industrial action grounded the carrier, including its flights