South Africa, which is the most industrialized state in the African continent, has experienced a massive plunge in its economic growth amid covid. Since the onset of coronavirus, economic activities in South Africa and many states across the globe came to a halt. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa had to impose Draconian measures. He had banned all international travels and grounded flights imposed on lockdown and even banned large crowds and social gatherings.
These restrictions saw the economy of South Africa declined for four straight quarters. Most of the businesses had plummeted because of the lockdown restrictions. Meanwhile, agriculture didn’t decline steeply as it increased by 15.1%. Closure of business also resulted in many people losing their jobs, hence increasing dependency levels in the country.
Furthermore, Corona has also contributed to raising the country’s budget as the government has to compensate and treat corona patients. With little economic growth and more to spend, the country has more to spend.
Nonetheless, as the first face of the pandemic contracted, activities slowly returned to normalcy in the country. The president had removed some restrictions but urged citizens to obey the COVID-19 regulations. Washing hands, wearing face masks, social distancing is just but some measures the government enforced. Local travels in and out of the country were on, schools had resumed and the economy began to pick up.
International Travels: Lifting the Ban
However, the government had failed to lift the ban on international travel. As a result, no planes were operating out of South Africa. It has been seven months since the government of South Africa imposed travel bans out of the country. On Wednesday, the country opened its borders to international travel. It was during a presidential briefing when President Cyril made the announcement public. He stated that visitors traveling to the country will be strictly expected to oblige by the coronavirus safety regulations.
“We are also opening up international travel to all countries subject to the necessary health protocols and the presentation of a negative COVID-19 certificate. Now, by using rapid tests and strict monitoring, we intend to limit the spread of the infection through importation,” said Ramaphosa.
Reactions Amid The Reopening
Celebrations filled the air in South African airports as the government lifted coronavirus linked travel restrictions. The sight of International flights like Dubai’s Emirates excited many. Performers danced in excitement as they welcomed the flight attendants.
A Nigerian postgraduate student expressed how happy he was to be back in South Africa for his studies. He said he had been unable to resume his studies at the University of Cape Town for about six months.
“I am so happy to be back, my life is here,”
said Nigerian postgraduate student Destiny Ugo who has been stuck abroad since a family visit in April and unable to resume his research at the University of Cape Town.
“I thought I was going to stay [home] for two weeks but I ended up staying for eight months.”
Planes from Dubai, Kenya, Europe, Zambia, Zimbabwe, etc, landed in South Africa’s International airport. German carrier Lufthansa was the first European airline to resume operations in South Africa.
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