by Jacques van Wyk, Director; Andre van Heerden, Senior Associate; and Thabisa Yantolo, Candidate Attorney

On 30 July 2020, the Department of Tourism (“Department“) published a statement by Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane (“Minister“). The statement records that Cabinet has approved the easing of certain restrictions in the tourism industry under the Lockdown Level 3. They are summarised below and will become effective once amendments to the regulations are Gazetted.

Restaurants

The national curfew will be extended from 9pm to 10pm to allow for restaurants to have uninterrupted dinner services. The sale of alcohol, however, remains prohibited.

Leisure travel

Intra-provincial leisure travel will be permitted, subject to specific conditions. In this regard, only two people will be allowed per room except for a nuclear family (i.e. parents and their children) and a copy of proof of identity must be obtained and retained by the persons in charge of the accommodation. Short-term home rental / sharing remains closed.

Tour operators

Tour operators will be allowed to conduct guided tours in open safari vehicles, subject to directions which include provisions for social distancing and maximum ventilation.

In addition, the Department has prepared a draft Tourism Recovery Plan document. The Minister has elected to release this plan for consultation before it is finalised for submission to Cabinet. The window period for making inputs will be 1 August 2020 until 15 August 2020. Inputs can be submitted to the following email address: recovery@tourism.gov.za. The full statement may be accessed at: https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-mmamoloko-kubayi-ngubane-tourism-related-activities-under-coronavirus-covid-19.