South Africa announced a slew of economic measures to boost the beleaguered economy. These include changes in the visa regulations for tourists and highly skilled professionals, financial support for black farmers and black industrialists and the upgrading and creation of industrial parks as evidence of government’s efforts to secure economic growth and deal with unemployment.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s new package, people say has two important elements: one kick-starting the economy and two, pave the way for an inclusive society , both part of the promises he made to the electorates. While announcing these measures in the National Assembly, the supreme law making authority, President said that the measures such as land reform, national health insurance and measures taken to strengthen social cohesion would help him to bring qualitative changes in the lives of the grassroots level people, who are suffering from the pangs of high inflation and unemployment.
Recently, the Department of Home Affairs expanded the number of countries that are eligible for visa waivers to promote tourism in the country. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are among the countries that have registered very high tourism footfall. It is expected that the government would review the impact of these measures to relax visa regime for other countries also. Also, the government is in the process of introducing e-visas to enable the tourists to have a hassle free visit to the country. Imparting relevant skill sets among students is another major plank of the reform process contemplated by the government. The Ports Authority of South Africa recently reduced tariffs by 6% and brought down container and automotive cargo dues to increase the cargo traffic through the country’s ports. Also, between September 2018 and July 2019, the Industrial Development Corporation approved upwards of R14 billion in infrastructure funding for roads and highways, water infrastructure, educational institutions, housing, student accommodation and public transport.
