Hello Visitor

This is not our usual newsletter...

The tourism and hospitality industries in South Africa and worldwide face the biggest crisis EVER.   But for South Africa, our problems are even greater than the countries we've been watching.

We've watched the steps other countries have put in place to fight back against coronavirus, trying the flatten the infections curve so healthcare services can cope (or haven't, in Italy's case).  But we've also seen the rollout of support for citizens and businesses.

In the USA, something like $2 trillion dollars is being allocated, with the first of two $1,200 (about R20,000) cheques to all taxpayers.  They will also be offering payroll support.  In Europe, there are moratoriums on mortage and utility payments, and more.

CapeInfo has been trying to find out what's planned in SA where poverty and informal settlements make the challenges of containment even greater.  Years of mismanagement, corruption and ANC cadre deployment have left the coffers almost bare.  SA's government isn't going to be able to do much.

The national Department of Tourism pointed me to the minister's speech a few days before the president declared the National State of Disaster.

Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, on 9 March 2020:  “Simply put, ladies and gentlemen, we do not have the resources to offset the damage that our economy will suffer because of this crisis.

“The question is what is it that we need to do, together, in the short to medium term to minimise the impact of the virus on the tourism sector? Given the uncertainty around the evolution of the spread of this virus, we cannot at this moment provide definitive answers.”

Nor could they say when some answers will be forthcoming. They're engaging with stakeholders.

That's a bit like admitting defeat before you start the war, or knocking your king over in a game of chess as your first move.  Or admitting that the minister and her department are irrelevant...

For the full story, please click here.  There's also a voice note from the Western Cape's department of economic development & tourism and a video from Alan Winde, premier of the Western Cape.  And some suggestions for you.

If you have any suggestions for CapeInfo, please let us have them – you can share your comments and suggestions widely by adding them to the story linked above.

And stay safe – wash your hands frequently and practice social distancing.