Global Citizen
Flash Briefing: Drop PCR test travel requirement, urges FEDHASA; No more aces up Magashule’s sleeve; AA challenges SA’s petrol price
FEDHASA has urged the government to remove the compulsory PCR test required for inbound international and returning SA travellers who are fully vaccinated.
- The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (Fedhasa) has urged the government to remove the compulsory PCR test required for inbound international and returning SA travellers who are fully vaccinated. This comes as the government announced major adjustments to Covid-19 regulations on Monday night, including that those who tested positive with no symptoms did not have to isolate, and that schools were now returning to daily attendance. These were welcomed by the association. "The PCR test requirement is a deterrent to international travel and consequently the recovery of our tourism and hospitality sector," Fedhasa national chair Rosemary Anderson said on Tuesday.
- Suspended ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule's bid to have his 'step-aside' order retracted has failed, with the Supreme Court of Appeals dismissing his application. The court said the appeal had no reasonable chance of success and dismissed the application with costs. Magashule was ordered to step aside after he was arrested and charged with corruption and fraud related to Free State asbestos contracts. The ANC's standing rule is that officials accused of serious crimes must step aside from their roles within the party until their names have been cleared in court. Magashule did not voluntarily step aside and was subsequently suspended.
- The Automobile Association has repeated its call for a full review of South Africa's petrol price, following yet another significant hike for February. The energy department announced that petrol prices would be hiked by 53 cents a litre and diesel by 80 cents a litre on Wednesday. The AA said that South Africans are desperate for a reprieve and urged the government to initiate a review of all the components of the fuel price and conduct an audit of all existing elements to determine if they are still applicable and correct. There have been other calls for the government to institute a petrol price cap or cut taxes, which make up almost half of the price.