In a statement released on Thursday, the South African Tourism says the South African government has put security measures in place to tackle violent attacks with a total of 108 arrests made in relation to the Monday night/Tuesday xenophobic attacks.
The statement comes after a recent xenophobic attack against foreign nationals led to the death of five people and looting of business premises of foreign nationals.
The attack has provoked a wide condemnation with a number of people and governments boycotting South Africa.
The statement, issued yesterday, comes several days after the attack. It says arrests have made and that that South Africa is always open for business and visitors. It also states that the South African government is “concerned” about the impact to the attack is having on the “reputation” of the country and its tourism sector.
It says in part:
“Following violent protests in certain parts of the country over the last two days, South African Tourism, is aware and concerned around the damage that this is causing the country from a reputation perspective and the possible impact it may have on international visitor arrival.
“Our government is taking the matter very seriously and have put security plans in place to address the situation.
“Various arrests have been made in the Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng Provinces.”
“African development depends on the increased movement of people, goods and services between different countries for all of us to benefit.
“South Africa remains open for business and visitors.”
See the statement in full:
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