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Ministers in 'rare' public spat over visa regulations

Source: Stephen Grootes – EWN, 30/07/2015

The ministers of Tourism & Home Affairs are at loggerheads over the
new visa rules.
JOHANNESBURG – As the tourism industry waits to hear if Cabinet will
change the new visa regulations, political analysts say the public
spat between Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba and Tourism Minister
Derek Hanekom is almost unheard of.

On Wednesday, Hanekom said on 702's John Robbie Show that the new
requirements were hurting the industry.

Then, Gigaba came out defending the regulations and accused Hanekom of
undermining Cabinet.

Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa Chairperson Carla da
Silva, said international airlines are still complaining about the
regulations.

"They`re saying to us that it`s such a tedious process, it`s such a
difficult process. The ease of coming to South Africa, whether it`s
pleasure or business, is so challenging that they`re just finding
alternatives."

But there`s no doubt Gigaba is angry with Hanekom.

He said, "We all should have refrained from making public
announcements which would instigate potential conflict."

Political analyst Ralph Mathekga said a public spat like this is rare.

"It could reflect the common frustration as to the direction, or maybe
the coherence of policy within Cabinet."

The regulations task team is meeting next week.

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