https://www.global-travels.net/forums/ Sat, 09 May 2026 09:08:30 +0000 MyBB https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-484.html Thu, 30 Nov 2017 17:12:49 +0000 https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-484.html
“Women have an important role to play in transforming the industry and growing tourism,” Deputy Minister Xasa said.

She was speaking at the opening of the Women in Tourism Conference in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.

A baseline study conducted by the Tourism BBBEE Council on the State of Tourism Transformation revealed that only 11% of enterprises had black women representation at boards, executive and senior management positions, and that the overall rate of transformation was slow.

“We must unite to work together to influence government’s policies and programmes. Collectively, our active participation can result in a transformed and inclusive industry,” Deputy Minister Xasa said.

More than 200 women from the African region gathered in Port Elizabeth for the annual Women in Tourism (WiT) Conference, which was held under the theme ‘Sustainable Tourism: A Tool for Radical Socio-Economic Development for Women’.

The two-day conference provided a platform for dialogue on the challenges that affect the socio-economic empowerment of women, funding constraints, and the establishment of support structures and incentives.

“Radical social and economic transformation has been prioritised to accelerate the process of empowering South Africans, especially women and the youth, to play a meaningful role in building a sustainable economy.

“It is concerning that the representation of women at executive and senior management positions is low. Our collective participation is critical to transforming this sector,” said Minister Xasa. – SAnews.gov.za]]>
“Women have an important role to play in transforming the industry and growing tourism,” Deputy Minister Xasa said.

She was speaking at the opening of the Women in Tourism Conference in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.

A baseline study conducted by the Tourism BBBEE Council on the State of Tourism Transformation revealed that only 11% of enterprises had black women representation at boards, executive and senior management positions, and that the overall rate of transformation was slow.

“We must unite to work together to influence government’s policies and programmes. Collectively, our active participation can result in a transformed and inclusive industry,” Deputy Minister Xasa said.

More than 200 women from the African region gathered in Port Elizabeth for the annual Women in Tourism (WiT) Conference, which was held under the theme ‘Sustainable Tourism: A Tool for Radical Socio-Economic Development for Women’.

The two-day conference provided a platform for dialogue on the challenges that affect the socio-economic empowerment of women, funding constraints, and the establishment of support structures and incentives.

“Radical social and economic transformation has been prioritised to accelerate the process of empowering South Africans, especially women and the youth, to play a meaningful role in building a sustainable economy.

“It is concerning that the representation of women at executive and senior management positions is low. Our collective participation is critical to transforming this sector,” said Minister Xasa. – SAnews.gov.za]]> https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-470.html Thu, 20 Aug 2015 11:58:44 +0000 https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-470.html South African economy in a climate where many other sectors are experiencing challenges, says Tourism Deputy Minister Tokozile Xasa.

“The sector is valued due to the fact that it has very few barriers to entry for new businesses, especially when compared to other industries such as mining,” said the Deputy Minister, speaking at the Tourism Trade Roadshow held in Indonesia on Thursday.

She said the tourism sector is less capital intensive than most others while also being more reliant on human capital.

“This means a huge potential for job creation,” she said.

Tourism, said the Deputy Minister, was big business and a very significant revenue stream for governments around the world.

“The World Travel and Tourism Council estimate that the sector contributed $7.6 trillion to the global economy in 2014, and supported 277 million jobs. This 10% contribution to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a resource that cannot be overlooked.

“This is no different in South Africa. According to our national statistics agency, tourism made a direct contribution of R103.6 billion to the GDP in 2013, rising from R93.5 billion in 2012. Domestic visitors contributed 57% of total tourism spend in 2013, while international visitors contributed 43%,” said Deputy Minister Xasa.

The Deputy Minister said tourism industry employs 655 609 people directly and 1.5 million both directly and indirectly, meaning one in every ten jobs in South Africa is supported by tourism.

National Development Plan

She said the National Development Plan (NDP) prioritises small and medium enterprises as an important strategic driver of growth.

“Significant resources are being made available across a variety of departments to grow small businesses, stimulate a mindset of entrepreneurship and ease barriers to entry for our already enterprising South Africans.

“While we focus our efforts on the growth of small tourism businesses, we are also at the same time mindful of the law of supply and demand,” she said.

The consistent increase in tourism arrivals over the past few years is a testament to the success of a variety of initiatives from the side of government and in partnership with business.

The developing countries of South East Asia, such as Indonesia, have experienced consistent growth over the past few years.

The Deputy Minister said estimates by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Development Centre show that between 2015 and 2019 Indonesia is expected to achieve a phenomenal 6% GDP growth.

“According to the World Travel and Trade Council, direct contribution to GDP by the sector stood at 8.5% in 2014. This contribution to GDP is higher than the South African tourism contribution to GDP,” she said.

She said arrivals from Indonesia to South Africa have been fluctuating over the past five years, and 2014 marked the lowest with 3 102 arrivals, and 2012 the highest with 6 319.

“Since the establishment of full diplomatic relations between our countries in 1993, we have seen a very good relationship develop between our two nations. This is because we have so much in common as developing countries striving for the prosperity of our people,” she said.-SAnews.gov.za]]> South African economy in a climate where many other sectors are experiencing challenges, says Tourism Deputy Minister Tokozile Xasa.

“The sector is valued due to the fact that it has very few barriers to entry for new businesses, especially when compared to other industries such as mining,” said the Deputy Minister, speaking at the Tourism Trade Roadshow held in Indonesia on Thursday.

She said the tourism sector is less capital intensive than most others while also being more reliant on human capital.

“This means a huge potential for job creation,” she said.

Tourism, said the Deputy Minister, was big business and a very significant revenue stream for governments around the world.

“The World Travel and Tourism Council estimate that the sector contributed $7.6 trillion to the global economy in 2014, and supported 277 million jobs. This 10% contribution to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a resource that cannot be overlooked.

“This is no different in South Africa. According to our national statistics agency, tourism made a direct contribution of R103.6 billion to the GDP in 2013, rising from R93.5 billion in 2012. Domestic visitors contributed 57% of total tourism spend in 2013, while international visitors contributed 43%,” said Deputy Minister Xasa.

The Deputy Minister said tourism industry employs 655 609 people directly and 1.5 million both directly and indirectly, meaning one in every ten jobs in South Africa is supported by tourism.

National Development Plan

She said the National Development Plan (NDP) prioritises small and medium enterprises as an important strategic driver of growth.

“Significant resources are being made available across a variety of departments to grow small businesses, stimulate a mindset of entrepreneurship and ease barriers to entry for our already enterprising South Africans.

“While we focus our efforts on the growth of small tourism businesses, we are also at the same time mindful of the law of supply and demand,” she said.

The consistent increase in tourism arrivals over the past few years is a testament to the success of a variety of initiatives from the side of government and in partnership with business.

The developing countries of South East Asia, such as Indonesia, have experienced consistent growth over the past few years.

The Deputy Minister said estimates by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Development Centre show that between 2015 and 2019 Indonesia is expected to achieve a phenomenal 6% GDP growth.

“According to the World Travel and Trade Council, direct contribution to GDP by the sector stood at 8.5% in 2014. This contribution to GDP is higher than the South African tourism contribution to GDP,” she said.

She said arrivals from Indonesia to South Africa have been fluctuating over the past five years, and 2014 marked the lowest with 3 102 arrivals, and 2012 the highest with 6 319.

“Since the establishment of full diplomatic relations between our countries in 1993, we have seen a very good relationship develop between our two nations. This is because we have so much in common as developing countries striving for the prosperity of our people,” she said.-SAnews.gov.za]]> https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-457.html Mon, 01 Jun 2015 15:56:32 +0000 https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-457.html
Under the new legislation, South Africans and foreign nationals travelling with children under the age of 18 are required to produce Unabridged Birth Certificates.

The implementation of the new legislation is part of government’s commitment to safeguard the best interests of children and prevent child trafficking.

Last week, the Department of Home Affairs said parents who needed to travel with their children and couldn’t get Unabridged Birth Certificates in time, would be able to leave the country with a letter indicating that they had applied for the documents.

Under the new law, all minors under the age of 18 years will be required to produce, in addition to their passport, an Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the particulars of both parents) when exiting and entering South African ports of entry.

According to the department, when a child travels with only one parent, additional documents should include an affidavit in which the absent parent gives consent for the child to travel, a court order granting full parental responsibilities or legal guardianship of the child, or the death certificate of the absent parent.

The affidavit should be no more than three months old from date of travel.

In the event of a child travelling with a person other than a parent, the Unabridged Birth Certificate must be supplemented by affidavits from the parents or legal guardians confirming that the child may travel with that person. Copies of the ID or passports of the parents or legal guardian, and the contact details of the parents or legal guardian must also be provided.

In the event where a child is travelling as an unaccompanied minor, not only the Unabridged Birth Certificate, but also proof of consent from both parents or legal guardians and contact details, and documentation relating to the person receiving the child in South Africa, would have to be produced. – SAnews.gov.za]]>
Under the new legislation, South Africans and foreign nationals travelling with children under the age of 18 are required to produce Unabridged Birth Certificates.

The implementation of the new legislation is part of government’s commitment to safeguard the best interests of children and prevent child trafficking.

Last week, the Department of Home Affairs said parents who needed to travel with their children and couldn’t get Unabridged Birth Certificates in time, would be able to leave the country with a letter indicating that they had applied for the documents.

Under the new law, all minors under the age of 18 years will be required to produce, in addition to their passport, an Unabridged Birth Certificate (showing the particulars of both parents) when exiting and entering South African ports of entry.

According to the department, when a child travels with only one parent, additional documents should include an affidavit in which the absent parent gives consent for the child to travel, a court order granting full parental responsibilities or legal guardianship of the child, or the death certificate of the absent parent.

The affidavit should be no more than three months old from date of travel.

In the event of a child travelling with a person other than a parent, the Unabridged Birth Certificate must be supplemented by affidavits from the parents or legal guardians confirming that the child may travel with that person. Copies of the ID or passports of the parents or legal guardian, and the contact details of the parents or legal guardian must also be provided.

In the event where a child is travelling as an unaccompanied minor, not only the Unabridged Birth Certificate, but also proof of consent from both parents or legal guardians and contact details, and documentation relating to the person receiving the child in South Africa, would have to be produced. – SAnews.gov.za]]> https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-452.html Tue, 03 Feb 2015 16:07:39 +0000 https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-452.html
The institution, which has already started accepting students, will operate at full steam from the beginning of March this year.

Thus far, 30 students have already been admitted for the academic year and the possibility of admitting more towards the middle of the year is foreseen.

MEC Mohono said the institution will change the socio-economic status of the people of Taung, especially women and youth.

She said the people of Taung should jealously guard the institution as it will be a hallmark which the future generation will be proud of.

“All spheres of government that are affected by youth development issues have to radically implement ways to lure our youth to have a hunger for education. This is the only way to give them a better life,” said the MEC.

She said the institution will focus on skills and competencies that are required to grow the tourism economy of the North West in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan, which identifies tourism as one of the key growth sectors of South Africa's economy.

MEC Mohono said the institution will also bring welcomed economic development to the Taung region with additional employment opportunities as well as boosting local businesses.

Neonyana Morolong, a student at the school, said she is grateful to be one of the first students and hopes to finish her studies in record time.

The 35-year-old mother of three wants to be a professional chef and to ultimately own her own professional restaurant in Taung.

Learners at the school will be offered practical courses in professional cookery, food and beverages and accommodation services for this academic year.

The school will introduce additional courses by June this year, which will include higher education programmes in tourism and hospitality management.

The school will be known as The Pentagon and will house an administration block, lecturers’ offices, lecture blocks, male and female students’ residences, a chapel, auditorium, student canteen, libraries and reading rooms. – SAnews.gov.za]]>
The institution, which has already started accepting students, will operate at full steam from the beginning of March this year.

Thus far, 30 students have already been admitted for the academic year and the possibility of admitting more towards the middle of the year is foreseen.

MEC Mohono said the institution will change the socio-economic status of the people of Taung, especially women and youth.

She said the people of Taung should jealously guard the institution as it will be a hallmark which the future generation will be proud of.

“All spheres of government that are affected by youth development issues have to radically implement ways to lure our youth to have a hunger for education. This is the only way to give them a better life,” said the MEC.

She said the institution will focus on skills and competencies that are required to grow the tourism economy of the North West in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan, which identifies tourism as one of the key growth sectors of South Africa's economy.

MEC Mohono said the institution will also bring welcomed economic development to the Taung region with additional employment opportunities as well as boosting local businesses.

Neonyana Morolong, a student at the school, said she is grateful to be one of the first students and hopes to finish her studies in record time.

The 35-year-old mother of three wants to be a professional chef and to ultimately own her own professional restaurant in Taung.

Learners at the school will be offered practical courses in professional cookery, food and beverages and accommodation services for this academic year.

The school will introduce additional courses by June this year, which will include higher education programmes in tourism and hospitality management.

The school will be known as The Pentagon and will house an administration block, lecturers’ offices, lecture blocks, male and female students’ residences, a chapel, auditorium, student canteen, libraries and reading rooms. – SAnews.gov.za]]> https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-441.html Sun, 02 Nov 2014 13:32:55 +0000 https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-441.html
“The WTM houses 5 000 exhibitors from 186 countries and is one of the largest tourism trade platforms in the world.

“WTM annually facilitates some R38 billion in industry deals. About 50 000 product owners, tour operators and travel agencies, airlines, technology providers, government ministers, global industry leaders and international travel media are expected to attend the event between Monday and Thursday this week,” the Department of Tourism said in a statement.

WTM creates opportunities for the international travel and tourism trade to negotiate business deals, discuss issues that affect the sector and expand networks.

The South African delegation includes representatives of government, South African Tourism (SAT), provincial and local government tourism marketing authorities, and a range of tourism and travel product owners and travel service providers.

“The WTM is one of the premier events where South Africa engages with the global travel trade. Besides maintaining excitement about our destination, and all that we have to offer, this platform is about doing business and growing international tourist arrivals to our country,” said Minister Hanekom.

“We will be promoting the variety of experiences we offer in South Africa, and build on our reputation as a unique, diverse, friendly and accessible destination.

“Our tourism sector has a strong base from which we can grow further. Since the advent of democracy 20 years ago, South Africa has recorded truly impressive growth in international tourist arrivals. Our challenge is to do even better. We want to grow the tourism industry in a way that creates more opportunities for all our people and is sustainable well into the future.”

Besides interacting with the trade and media, Minister Hanekom will participate in a Ministerial Summit that brings together Tourism Ministers and global industry leaders to explore international best practice.

The summit will be moderated by CNN International’s Max Foster. This year’s theme is 'Tourism and Mega-Events: Building a lasting legacy'.

Minister Hanekom will discuss lessons that South Africa has learnt from hosting mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup, and reflect on ways of further leveraging the opportunities presented by business tourism and event-based tourism.

On Monday evening, Minister Hanekom will present the Ubuntu awards to South Africa’s travel and trade partners who have excelled in selling the destination to UK travellers.

“The UK is more than just an important market for South Africa. With just under 500 000 arrivals from the UK in 2013, this market remains our largest overseas source market. Our UK trade partners must know that we are in this market to stay and that we will be working even harder and smarter to grow our market share.” – SAnews.gov.za]]>
“The WTM houses 5 000 exhibitors from 186 countries and is one of the largest tourism trade platforms in the world.

“WTM annually facilitates some R38 billion in industry deals. About 50 000 product owners, tour operators and travel agencies, airlines, technology providers, government ministers, global industry leaders and international travel media are expected to attend the event between Monday and Thursday this week,” the Department of Tourism said in a statement.

WTM creates opportunities for the international travel and tourism trade to negotiate business deals, discuss issues that affect the sector and expand networks.

The South African delegation includes representatives of government, South African Tourism (SAT), provincial and local government tourism marketing authorities, and a range of tourism and travel product owners and travel service providers.

“The WTM is one of the premier events where South Africa engages with the global travel trade. Besides maintaining excitement about our destination, and all that we have to offer, this platform is about doing business and growing international tourist arrivals to our country,” said Minister Hanekom.

“We will be promoting the variety of experiences we offer in South Africa, and build on our reputation as a unique, diverse, friendly and accessible destination.

“Our tourism sector has a strong base from which we can grow further. Since the advent of democracy 20 years ago, South Africa has recorded truly impressive growth in international tourist arrivals. Our challenge is to do even better. We want to grow the tourism industry in a way that creates more opportunities for all our people and is sustainable well into the future.”

Besides interacting with the trade and media, Minister Hanekom will participate in a Ministerial Summit that brings together Tourism Ministers and global industry leaders to explore international best practice.

The summit will be moderated by CNN International’s Max Foster. This year’s theme is 'Tourism and Mega-Events: Building a lasting legacy'.

Minister Hanekom will discuss lessons that South Africa has learnt from hosting mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup, and reflect on ways of further leveraging the opportunities presented by business tourism and event-based tourism.

On Monday evening, Minister Hanekom will present the Ubuntu awards to South Africa’s travel and trade partners who have excelled in selling the destination to UK travellers.

“The UK is more than just an important market for South Africa. With just under 500 000 arrivals from the UK in 2013, this market remains our largest overseas source market. Our UK trade partners must know that we are in this market to stay and that we will be working even harder and smarter to grow our market share.” – SAnews.gov.za]]> https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-438.html Tue, 14 Oct 2014 16:27:49 +0000 https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-438.html
The lodge scooped the Imvelo Award during a glittering ceremony held at the Gold Reef City’s Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg.

The Imvelo Award is given to the best single resource management programme and energy management by a small tourism establishment in South Africa, which promotes environmental sustainability through tourism practices.

“As the department charged with the mandate of improving the tourism sector in the province, we are proud of what Thaba Tshwene Game Lodge has managed to achieve at national level.

“This goes to show that our province has a lot of potential and can compete with other provinces in terms of offering the best tourism products,” she said.

MEC Mohono said her department will continue to work hard to ensure that government creates an enabling environment for tourism establishments to prosper.

“The standard has been set and we hope that in the next year, we will see more winners emerge from [the North West],” she said.

The General Manager of Thaba Tshwene Game Lodge, Darnet le Roux, said winning the award has been a great experience for the lodge.

“It will also have a positive and rewarding impact on our existing guests as they like to be part of something good and bigger, which will then in return also attract new guests that will expect the high standard that we have to offer.

“Awards like this can only have a positive impact, no matter which establishment walks away with it,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za]]>
The lodge scooped the Imvelo Award during a glittering ceremony held at the Gold Reef City’s Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg.

The Imvelo Award is given to the best single resource management programme and energy management by a small tourism establishment in South Africa, which promotes environmental sustainability through tourism practices.

“As the department charged with the mandate of improving the tourism sector in the province, we are proud of what Thaba Tshwene Game Lodge has managed to achieve at national level.

“This goes to show that our province has a lot of potential and can compete with other provinces in terms of offering the best tourism products,” she said.

MEC Mohono said her department will continue to work hard to ensure that government creates an enabling environment for tourism establishments to prosper.

“The standard has been set and we hope that in the next year, we will see more winners emerge from [the North West],” she said.

The General Manager of Thaba Tshwene Game Lodge, Darnet le Roux, said winning the award has been a great experience for the lodge.

“It will also have a positive and rewarding impact on our existing guests as they like to be part of something good and bigger, which will then in return also attract new guests that will expect the high standard that we have to offer.

“Awards like this can only have a positive impact, no matter which establishment walks away with it,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za]]> https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-434.html Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:36:07 +0000 https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-434.html
Celebrated worldwide since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation has for the 2014 edition, themed the day “Tourism and Community Development - focusing on the ability of tourism to empower people and provide them with skills to achieve change in their local communities”.

Constitution Hill will commemorate the day by offering a special rate of R10 for entrance into the museums for the entire weekend.

“This is an ideal opportunity for South Africans from all walks of life to experience our history. I encourage everyone to take up this offer to learn about the dark history of the site, and its transition to a custodian of democracy, human rights and constitutionalism,” said Constitutional Hill acting CEO Themba Ntuli.

Furthermore, in the upcoming months, there will be free entrance for designated groups.

In honour of the Month of Older Persons, free entrance will be offered to senior citizens from 1 October 2014 to 30 November 2014.

In December, all Persons with Disabilities will gain free entry into the heritage site.

Visitors to the museum will be able to join a guided tour, or explore the museum on their own.

The site, which is the home to the Constitutional Court, also houses the notorious Number 4 prison, the Old Fort prison, and the Women’s Gaol, and visitors will get the opportunity to walk through the three prison sections, as well as view permanent exhibitions such as the Mahatma Gandhi exhibition and the Nelson Mandela “Prisoner in a Garden” exhibition. – SAnews.gov.za]]>
Celebrated worldwide since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation has for the 2014 edition, themed the day “Tourism and Community Development - focusing on the ability of tourism to empower people and provide them with skills to achieve change in their local communities”.

Constitution Hill will commemorate the day by offering a special rate of R10 for entrance into the museums for the entire weekend.

“This is an ideal opportunity for South Africans from all walks of life to experience our history. I encourage everyone to take up this offer to learn about the dark history of the site, and its transition to a custodian of democracy, human rights and constitutionalism,” said Constitutional Hill acting CEO Themba Ntuli.

Furthermore, in the upcoming months, there will be free entrance for designated groups.

In honour of the Month of Older Persons, free entrance will be offered to senior citizens from 1 October 2014 to 30 November 2014.

In December, all Persons with Disabilities will gain free entry into the heritage site.

Visitors to the museum will be able to join a guided tour, or explore the museum on their own.

The site, which is the home to the Constitutional Court, also houses the notorious Number 4 prison, the Old Fort prison, and the Women’s Gaol, and visitors will get the opportunity to walk through the three prison sections, as well as view permanent exhibitions such as the Mahatma Gandhi exhibition and the Nelson Mandela “Prisoner in a Garden” exhibition. – SAnews.gov.za]]> https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-407.html Thu, 17 Apr 2014 09:56:11 +0000 https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-407.html
Sanral spokesperson Vusi Mona said motorists may purchase a day pass up to 30 days before using the e-tolled roads. A day pass is valid for 24 hours after activation.

“If you are not a regular visitor to Gauteng, you can simply purchase a day pass by calling 0800 Sanral (726 725) and use a credit card, or you can walk in to one of the e-toll customer service outlets along the Gauteng e-roads or at shopping malls. Alternatively, visit our website sanral.co.za and purchase a day pass online,” he said.

Mona said a day pass is activated when a motorist passes his/her first gantry. A day pass may only be purchased 12 times a year for a vehicle.

“A day pass is valid for 30 days from the date of purchase and cannot be activated retrospectively. It cannot be used to pay for e-toll transactions prior to the purchase of the pass.

“It is valid for the payment of all e-toll transactions and any number of kilometres driven on the Gauteng e-roads, as per the conditions set out after purchase,” he said.

A day pass is only valid on the Gauteng e-toll roads and cannot be used as payment of tolls at conventional toll plazas.

It entitles the motorist to drive through as many gantries on the Gauteng e-tolled roads in a 24-hour period with the vehicle the day pass has been purchased for.

However, Mona said no refunds are given on a day pass if transaction values do not equate to the amount the day pass was purchased for.

“Should you not have a registered e-toll account, or purchase a day pass before making use of the Gauteng e-tolled roads, you may pay for your unpaid e-toll transactions at the time of purchasing your day pass,” he said.

The tariff for each 24-hour period for a motorbike is R30; motor vehicle R50; light delivery truck R125 and heavy duty truck R250. – SAnews.gov.za]]>
Sanral spokesperson Vusi Mona said motorists may purchase a day pass up to 30 days before using the e-tolled roads. A day pass is valid for 24 hours after activation.

“If you are not a regular visitor to Gauteng, you can simply purchase a day pass by calling 0800 Sanral (726 725) and use a credit card, or you can walk in to one of the e-toll customer service outlets along the Gauteng e-roads or at shopping malls. Alternatively, visit our website sanral.co.za and purchase a day pass online,” he said.

Mona said a day pass is activated when a motorist passes his/her first gantry. A day pass may only be purchased 12 times a year for a vehicle.

“A day pass is valid for 30 days from the date of purchase and cannot be activated retrospectively. It cannot be used to pay for e-toll transactions prior to the purchase of the pass.

“It is valid for the payment of all e-toll transactions and any number of kilometres driven on the Gauteng e-roads, as per the conditions set out after purchase,” he said.

A day pass is only valid on the Gauteng e-toll roads and cannot be used as payment of tolls at conventional toll plazas.

It entitles the motorist to drive through as many gantries on the Gauteng e-tolled roads in a 24-hour period with the vehicle the day pass has been purchased for.

However, Mona said no refunds are given on a day pass if transaction values do not equate to the amount the day pass was purchased for.

“Should you not have a registered e-toll account, or purchase a day pass before making use of the Gauteng e-tolled roads, you may pay for your unpaid e-toll transactions at the time of purchasing your day pass,” he said.

The tariff for each 24-hour period for a motorbike is R30; motor vehicle R50; light delivery truck R125 and heavy duty truck R250. – SAnews.gov.za]]> https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-391.html Thu, 20 Mar 2014 12:50:49 +0000 https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-391.html
South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesman Reynold Thakhuli on Tuesday said that all facilities which had been closed, excluding the S64 road in the north and the Wolhuter and Boesman Trails camp in the south, were now operational.

“All the bush camps, walking trails, picnic spots and gravel roads are deemed safe enough to be used by our clients. We are happy to be able to welcome them back,” said Thakhuli.

The reopened bush camps are Talamati, Biyamiti, Sirheni, Shimuwini, Balule and Bateleur, while the trails camps are Olifants and Nyalalaland.

Areas in the south of the Kruger received as much as 300mm of rain during the first 10 days of March, resulting in overflowing rivers which forced the closure of bridges, camps and roads.

“All clients who had cancellations need to get in contact with the SANParks reservations department on reservations@sanparks.org or 012 428 9111,” said Thakuli.

Flooding in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, North West and KwaZulu-Natal caused the deaths of 32 people, and displaced around 3 000 more. - SAnews.gov.za]]>
South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesman Reynold Thakhuli on Tuesday said that all facilities which had been closed, excluding the S64 road in the north and the Wolhuter and Boesman Trails camp in the south, were now operational.

“All the bush camps, walking trails, picnic spots and gravel roads are deemed safe enough to be used by our clients. We are happy to be able to welcome them back,” said Thakhuli.

The reopened bush camps are Talamati, Biyamiti, Sirheni, Shimuwini, Balule and Bateleur, while the trails camps are Olifants and Nyalalaland.

Areas in the south of the Kruger received as much as 300mm of rain during the first 10 days of March, resulting in overflowing rivers which forced the closure of bridges, camps and roads.

“All clients who had cancellations need to get in contact with the SANParks reservations department on reservations@sanparks.org or 012 428 9111,” said Thakuli.

Flooding in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, North West and KwaZulu-Natal caused the deaths of 32 people, and displaced around 3 000 more. - SAnews.gov.za]]> https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-351.html Fri, 06 Sep 2013 12:52:33 +0000 https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-351.html
“Cabinet calls on all South Africans to commemorate our history and celebrate our diverse cultures during Heritage Month,” acting Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams told the media following the executive’s regular fortnightly meeting.

Williams also called on South Africans to support natural heritage by visiting national parks free of charge from 9 - 13 September, as part of the 8th annual South African National Parks (SANParks) Week.

This year’s Heritage Month celebrations are marked under the theme: ‘Reclaiming, Restoring and Celebrating Our Living Heritage’, which is a call to recognise the importance of the tangible heritage, museums, commemorative sites and interpretation centres in building an inclusive society.

National Heritage Day will be celebrated at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape.

Since the dawn of democracy 20 years ago, government has built new museums, monuments and commemorative sites as part of crafting a new and inclusive narrative for the country.

These include Freedom Park in Tshwane, the Ncome Museum in KwaZulu-Natal, the Matola Memorial and Interpretation Centre in Mozambique, the Steve Biko Centre in Ginsberg and the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha.

As part of the 20 Years of Freedom campaign, government will launch ‘Freedom Fridays’ on 20 September in partnership with LEAD SA and Proudly South African.

Freedom Fridays encourage people to wear anything that makes them feel South African each Friday.

Williams said the campaign will provide a platform for South Africans to “cherish our hard-fought freedom to ensure that future generations are able to benefit from our developmental democracy”. – SAnews.gov.za]]>
“Cabinet calls on all South Africans to commemorate our history and celebrate our diverse cultures during Heritage Month,” acting Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams told the media following the executive’s regular fortnightly meeting.

Williams also called on South Africans to support natural heritage by visiting national parks free of charge from 9 - 13 September, as part of the 8th annual South African National Parks (SANParks) Week.

This year’s Heritage Month celebrations are marked under the theme: ‘Reclaiming, Restoring and Celebrating Our Living Heritage’, which is a call to recognise the importance of the tangible heritage, museums, commemorative sites and interpretation centres in building an inclusive society.

National Heritage Day will be celebrated at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape.

Since the dawn of democracy 20 years ago, government has built new museums, monuments and commemorative sites as part of crafting a new and inclusive narrative for the country.

These include Freedom Park in Tshwane, the Ncome Museum in KwaZulu-Natal, the Matola Memorial and Interpretation Centre in Mozambique, the Steve Biko Centre in Ginsberg and the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha.

As part of the 20 Years of Freedom campaign, government will launch ‘Freedom Fridays’ on 20 September in partnership with LEAD SA and Proudly South African.

Freedom Fridays encourage people to wear anything that makes them feel South African each Friday.

Williams said the campaign will provide a platform for South Africans to “cherish our hard-fought freedom to ensure that future generations are able to benefit from our developmental democracy”. – SAnews.gov.za]]> https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-320.html Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:47:03 +0000 https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-320.html
The department had deployed extra personnel and increased working hours at all national ports of entry – including land, sea and air ports - to deal with expected high traveller volumes during the period.

These efforts were complimented by the visits of Minister Naledi Pandor and Director General Mkuseli Apleni to Beitbridge and Lebombo ports of entry respectively on Thursday, ahead of the Easter weekend.

Working together with other state agencies such as South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), a total of 273 888 arrivals and 312 352 departures were recorded and processed on the country’s Movement Control System.

The Movement Control System is a legacy of 2010 FIFA World Cup and it was deployed t all major ports of entry across the country during the Easter Weekend.

The top five SADC countries whose nationals were processed during the same period are: Lesotho with 88 227; Zimbabwe with 77 277; Swaziland with 50 492; Botswana with 49 500 and Mozambique with 44 414.

On the other hand, the top three European nationals processed in the same period were: UK with 17 072 travellers; the USA with 8 951 and Germany with 8 183 with nationals from China and India accounting for 3 676 and 3 249 respectively.

The ports of entry with the highest volumes of travellers processed included the OR Tambo International Airport, Beitbridge, Lebombo, Ficksburg and Oshoek border gates. - SAnews.gov.za]]>
The department had deployed extra personnel and increased working hours at all national ports of entry – including land, sea and air ports - to deal with expected high traveller volumes during the period.

These efforts were complimented by the visits of Minister Naledi Pandor and Director General Mkuseli Apleni to Beitbridge and Lebombo ports of entry respectively on Thursday, ahead of the Easter weekend.

Working together with other state agencies such as South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), a total of 273 888 arrivals and 312 352 departures were recorded and processed on the country’s Movement Control System.

The Movement Control System is a legacy of 2010 FIFA World Cup and it was deployed t all major ports of entry across the country during the Easter Weekend.

The top five SADC countries whose nationals were processed during the same period are: Lesotho with 88 227; Zimbabwe with 77 277; Swaziland with 50 492; Botswana with 49 500 and Mozambique with 44 414.

On the other hand, the top three European nationals processed in the same period were: UK with 17 072 travellers; the USA with 8 951 and Germany with 8 183 with nationals from China and India accounting for 3 676 and 3 249 respectively.

The ports of entry with the highest volumes of travellers processed included the OR Tambo International Airport, Beitbridge, Lebombo, Ficksburg and Oshoek border gates. - SAnews.gov.za]]> https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-294.html Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:50:17 +0000 https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-294.html
Day visitors are also encouraged to book their visits to ensure they're not turned away if gate quotas are exceeded.

"We encourage anyone who is planning to visit the park to either come early or make a pre-booking to secure entry. Pre-bookings can be made via SANParks Central Reservations," said Kruger spokesman William Mabasa.

Mabasa said the daily entry quotas would be strictly enforced throughout the festive season period.

He assured that the quota will however not affect overnight visitors.

Day visitors who make a booking before arrival are expected to pay a non-refundable deposit that will secure their entry into the park.

"We appeal to people who made pre-bookings to arrive at the gates before 1pm, because after that, the booking lapses," he said.

Mabasa added that pre-booked visitors will still be expected to queue at the gates and pay conservation fees.

He reminded visitors to bring along their identity documents or alternative forms of identity.

According to Mabasa's colleague, Stephens Ledwaba, each gate has its own limited number of visitors who will be allowed to the park on a daily basis.

"The Phalaborwa Gate can allow 550 people at a time but once that number has been reached, people will have to wait in a queue for others to come out of the park before they may enter.

"In addition to that we can accommodate another 50 or so and in the end we would have accommodated more than the daily quota of 550 day visitors," said Ledwaba.

Ledwaba also said that during the year, excluding the festive season, all the gates are able to accommodate 4 930 day visitors at once.

"This number excludes the overnight guests," Ledwaba said.

Visitors have also been warned not to bring alcohol to the park.

Field and honorary rangers will be assisting gate staff with managing the queues and providing other services at the gates.

The Kruger has 10 entrance gates, including Pafuri, Punda Maria, Phalaborwa, Giriyondo, Orpen, Paul Kruger, Phabeni, Numbi, Crocodile Bridge and Malalane. - SAnews.gov.za]]>
Day visitors are also encouraged to book their visits to ensure they're not turned away if gate quotas are exceeded.

"We encourage anyone who is planning to visit the park to either come early or make a pre-booking to secure entry. Pre-bookings can be made via SANParks Central Reservations," said Kruger spokesman William Mabasa.

Mabasa said the daily entry quotas would be strictly enforced throughout the festive season period.

He assured that the quota will however not affect overnight visitors.

Day visitors who make a booking before arrival are expected to pay a non-refundable deposit that will secure their entry into the park.

"We appeal to people who made pre-bookings to arrive at the gates before 1pm, because after that, the booking lapses," he said.

Mabasa added that pre-booked visitors will still be expected to queue at the gates and pay conservation fees.

He reminded visitors to bring along their identity documents or alternative forms of identity.

According to Mabasa's colleague, Stephens Ledwaba, each gate has its own limited number of visitors who will be allowed to the park on a daily basis.

"The Phalaborwa Gate can allow 550 people at a time but once that number has been reached, people will have to wait in a queue for others to come out of the park before they may enter.

"In addition to that we can accommodate another 50 or so and in the end we would have accommodated more than the daily quota of 550 day visitors," said Ledwaba.

Ledwaba also said that during the year, excluding the festive season, all the gates are able to accommodate 4 930 day visitors at once.

"This number excludes the overnight guests," Ledwaba said.

Visitors have also been warned not to bring alcohol to the park.

Field and honorary rangers will be assisting gate staff with managing the queues and providing other services at the gates.

The Kruger has 10 entrance gates, including Pafuri, Punda Maria, Phalaborwa, Giriyondo, Orpen, Paul Kruger, Phabeni, Numbi, Crocodile Bridge and Malalane. - SAnews.gov.za]]> https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-269.html Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:17:39 +0000 https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-269.html
"Domestic tourism has the power to assist the province and the municipality in developing local products and creating local jobs," said Xasa at the launch of Tourism Month in Mpumalanga.

"It is highly critical to understand that we need to continue to build a sustainable tourism industry, we cannot rely on foreign arrivals too heavily, as this market can be very volatile."'

The theme of the launch was "Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development."

Xasa said it was extremely encouraging that domestic tourism has been performing well.

According to Tourism South Africa's Annual Report for 2010, Mpumalanga was the third most visited province by foreign visitors in 2010 with a share of 14.1% of total foreign arrivals.

Mpumalanga however contributed only 6% of domestic tourism bed nights in 2010.

Since 2005, the growth in bed nights spent by domestic tourists nevertheless grew faster than the national rate, indicating that Mpumalanga is fast becoming a top destination of choice for South Africans.

South Africa's tourism growth from all markets at the beginning of 2012 was up by 11.7% in the first four months of the year, with regional African growth up 9.8% in the same period.

Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) chief executive Edward Twala supported Xasa's views. "The backbone of tourism in any country is domestic tourism and our aim in Mpumalanga is to showcase the exciting attractions the province has to offer, many of which have left international tourists awestruck, but which are still to be discovered by local travellers right here at home," said Twala.

The United Nation's World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) says that travel and tourism is the third largest industry in the world.

With a gross domestic product (GDP) of 9%, it is larger than automotive manufacturing which contributes 8% while mining contributes 8% and chemicals manufacturing at 7%.

"The industry is expected to create an additional 21 million direct jobs over the next decade, taking total direct employment to over 120 million, which constitutes more than 3.5% of total employment - excluding the multiplier effect," said economic development, environment and tourism MEC Norman Mokoena.

Mpumalanga is rich with geological history with the Barberton's Mkonjwa Mountain range, holding some of the best preserved rock formations and microscopic life forms dating back 3.5 billion years along with the Blyde River canyon which is the third largest and only evergreen canyon in the world.

The MEC added that domestic tourism also encourages responsible tourism. "Humanity has to start living more sustainably if the planet is to survive and support life for the coming years so a sustainable use of energy is vital for the sustainability of the tourism sector," said Mokoena. - SAnews.gov.za]]>
"Domestic tourism has the power to assist the province and the municipality in developing local products and creating local jobs," said Xasa at the launch of Tourism Month in Mpumalanga.

"It is highly critical to understand that we need to continue to build a sustainable tourism industry, we cannot rely on foreign arrivals too heavily, as this market can be very volatile."'

The theme of the launch was "Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development."

Xasa said it was extremely encouraging that domestic tourism has been performing well.

According to Tourism South Africa's Annual Report for 2010, Mpumalanga was the third most visited province by foreign visitors in 2010 with a share of 14.1% of total foreign arrivals.

Mpumalanga however contributed only 6% of domestic tourism bed nights in 2010.

Since 2005, the growth in bed nights spent by domestic tourists nevertheless grew faster than the national rate, indicating that Mpumalanga is fast becoming a top destination of choice for South Africans.

South Africa's tourism growth from all markets at the beginning of 2012 was up by 11.7% in the first four months of the year, with regional African growth up 9.8% in the same period.

Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) chief executive Edward Twala supported Xasa's views. "The backbone of tourism in any country is domestic tourism and our aim in Mpumalanga is to showcase the exciting attractions the province has to offer, many of which have left international tourists awestruck, but which are still to be discovered by local travellers right here at home," said Twala.

The United Nation's World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) says that travel and tourism is the third largest industry in the world.

With a gross domestic product (GDP) of 9%, it is larger than automotive manufacturing which contributes 8% while mining contributes 8% and chemicals manufacturing at 7%.

"The industry is expected to create an additional 21 million direct jobs over the next decade, taking total direct employment to over 120 million, which constitutes more than 3.5% of total employment - excluding the multiplier effect," said economic development, environment and tourism MEC Norman Mokoena.

Mpumalanga is rich with geological history with the Barberton's Mkonjwa Mountain range, holding some of the best preserved rock formations and microscopic life forms dating back 3.5 billion years along with the Blyde River canyon which is the third largest and only evergreen canyon in the world.

The MEC added that domestic tourism also encourages responsible tourism. "Humanity has to start living more sustainably if the planet is to survive and support life for the coming years so a sustainable use of energy is vital for the sustainability of the tourism sector," said Mokoena. - SAnews.gov.za]]> https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-240.html Fri, 29 Jun 2012 09:15:47 +0000 https://www.global-travels.net/forums/thread-240.html
The committee is responsible for overseeing the implementation and management of the TGCSA's grading system, South Africa's only officially recognised system for the star grading of accommodation establishments.

The new committee is chaired by Graham Wood, Managing Director of gaming, hotel and entertainment group, Tsogo Sun. The department said Wood, a chartered accountant, has 15 years' experience in the hospitality industry and is joined on the new committee by 11 highly experienced individuals, who bring with them an enormous wealth of knowledge of the tourism industry in South Africa.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the previous Awards Committee, under the leadership of Peter Bacon, for their hard work and commitment to quality assurance in South Africa," Van Schalkwyk said.

He said through their hard work and commitment, South Africa had a credible, globally benchmarked system of quality assurance for accommodation in the country.

The three-year term of the new Awards Committee ends in May 2015. - BuaNews

:tourist:]]>
The committee is responsible for overseeing the implementation and management of the TGCSA's grading system, South Africa's only officially recognised system for the star grading of accommodation establishments.

The new committee is chaired by Graham Wood, Managing Director of gaming, hotel and entertainment group, Tsogo Sun. The department said Wood, a chartered accountant, has 15 years' experience in the hospitality industry and is joined on the new committee by 11 highly experienced individuals, who bring with them an enormous wealth of knowledge of the tourism industry in South Africa.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the previous Awards Committee, under the leadership of Peter Bacon, for their hard work and commitment to quality assurance in South Africa," Van Schalkwyk said.

He said through their hard work and commitment, South Africa had a credible, globally benchmarked system of quality assurance for accommodation in the country.

The three-year term of the new Awards Committee ends in May 2015. - BuaNews

:tourist:]]>