UK updates their travel advisory to SA, even noting our "standard of driving"
03 May 2019 | Admin Author
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The United Kingdom on Thursday updated its local travel advisory for those visiting South Africa during next week's general elections.
"South Africa will hold national and provincial elections on 8 May 2019; protest marches and demonstrations can occur anywhere in South Africa and sometimes at short notice; you should avoid areas where demonstrations and marches are taking place," read the message.
Police minister Bheki Cele said that police would be out in full force to ensure peace prevailed at the country's 22 924 voting stations.
Cele said 51 306 officers would be deployed countrywide.
Police had already been deployed in KwaZulu-Natal, known to be a hotspot for political violence, and the North West province.
In the travel advisory for South Africa, which was updated on Thursday, the UK highlights the following issues in the country:
There is a very high level of crime including rape and murder in South Africa.
The most violent crimes tend to occur in townships, remote and isolated areas and away from the normal tourist destinations.
Crime increases in areas where large crowds gather, so be particularly vigilant if you’re attending sporting or other events that attract large numbers.
There are regular protest marches and strike-related demonstrations across South Africa, which can turn violent. Such marches and demonstrations can occur anywhere in South Africa, sometimes at short notice. You should avoid areas where demonstrations and marches are taking place, especially universities and government buildings.
Don’t attempt to cross protester roadblocks as this could provoke a violent reaction.
Be vigilant in and around airports, especially OR Tambo International in Johannesburg, where several incidents have been reported involving foreigners being followed from the airport to their destinations.
The standard of driving is variable and there are many fatal accidents.
Beach conditions and local safety provisions vary considerably throughout the South African coastline and every year several people drown due to the strong sea currents.
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in South Africa. As of July 2018, police are investigating a series of incendiary devices placed at different locations in the Durban area.
For the full advisory click on this link from the UK Government
