Latest news with #OperationVulindlela
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: TTOS hits 11,000 tourist milestone as digital visas gain traction
The Department of Home Affairs' new digital Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) has attracted over 11,000 tourists from China and India since its launch in late February this year, marking a significant milestone in South Africa's push to modernise its visa processes and stimulate tourism. Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, announced the figures this week, confirming that 11,144 tourists have obtained digital visas via the TTOS platform in just three months. Daily application volumes have seen consistent growth, increasing from an average of 50 per day in March to 135 in April, and reaching 210 per day so far in May. Addressing longstanding visa challenges The initiative was designed to address longstanding visa processing challenges for travellers from two of South Africa's largest and fastest-growing tourism markets. 'These are tourists who otherwise would not have come to South Africa, given the challenges previously experienced with obtaining visas for tour groups from China and India,' the Department noted. Early indicators suggest a tangible economic benefit. Research conducted through Operation Vulindlela indicates that one job is created for every 13 tourists visiting the country, which translates to approximately 857 new jobs generated by TTOS since February. The scheme currently operates in partnership with 65 tour operators under a risk-sharing model, granting them access to a secure digital platform for submitting and receiving visa outcomes for tour groups. Where travellers from China and India previously had to navigate lengthy in-person application processes, outcomes are now delivered digitally within a matter of hours. Minister Schreiber, who conceptualised the scheme, said: 'It is important to note that TTOS is still just a small-scale proof of concept. But after three months of operation, it is already clear that it has been a resounding success. TTOS has attracted over 11,000 additional tourists in this short time, working with just 65 partners. "This amounts to almost a third of all tourists from China who visited South Africa last year. The success of TTOS demonstrates the enormous growth potential that we can unlock by rolling out a digital-only visa platform – not only for group travel from these 65 partners, but for every tourist in the world.' Next steps: ETA system on the horizon Looking ahead, the Department plans to announce a second intake of tour operators to expand the reach of TTOS and is on track to roll out a fully digital Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system later this year. Minister Schreiber added: 'This is exactly what Home Affairs is building. In addition to announcing a second intake of tour operators to boost the number of group tours further attracted through TTOS, we are on track to deliver a world-class Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system this year. "This system will completely digitalise and automate all tourism and short-stay visas, enabling every tourist on earth who wants to visit South Africa to instantly and securely obtain a digital visa. Not only will this eliminate fraud and inefficiency, but, as TTOS demonstrates beyond all doubt, it will amount to the single biggest reform to boost job creation in the tourism sector in decades.' The Department of Tourism has also welcomed the early success of TTOS, describing it as 'a testament to what is possible when government works hand-in-hand with the private sector to remove barriers and unlock economic potential.' The department expressed its full support for expanding the scheme and the introduction of a fully digital Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. It emphasised that digital innovations like these are essential for boosting job creation, inclusive economic growth, and ensuring South Africa remains competitive as a global tourism destination. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
SowetanLIVE
5 days ago
- Business
- SowetanLIVE
Ramaphosa offended by GNU partner Mulder's suggestion to scrap BEE laws
President Cyril Ramaphosa did not take kindly to a suggestion by GNU partner and FF Plus leader Cornè Mulder that the country should rethink its racial redress legislation, which in his view hindered economic growth. In an oral question to the president, Mulder said the policies raised by Ramaphosa pertained to Operation Vulindlela, which he claimed would not see the light of day if the country did not abandon race-based reforms. 'We need to amend or develop a new economic policy that can make possible real growth. If we do not have economic growth, none of the programmes will be implemented nor will they be successful. The new policy needs to take a different approach regarding black economic empowerment, employment equity and expropriation without compensation,' Mulder said. Ramaphosa was startled by the assertion and gave Mulder a history lesson on the ownership of the economy during apartheid and why legislation such as BEE was necessary. 'I'm rather surprised and taken aback when I hear that policies of BEE militate against the growth of our economy. That I find quite surprising. I work from a starting point that our economy was held back over many years by the racist policies of the past. 'Those racist policies prevented a majority of South Africans to play a meaningful role in their own economy. Black people were brought in as hewers of wood and drawers of water, as labourers. They were not even seen as consumers or active players in the economic landscape of our country.' He said democracy saved the day, opening up the economy and broadening participation. 'It is right in your face. During apartheid South Africa, you'd never see a black personality being made to advertise soap or milk or anything. Today every advert you look at has got black people. This is because it has now been realised that it is black people who are the consumers and are economic players.' Those who would want black people just to play the consumer role are truly mistaken, Ramaphosa said, adding that black people must play a productive role as well.
The Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald
Ramaphosa offended by GNU partner Mulder's suggestion to scrap BEE laws
President Cyril Ramaphosa did not take kindly to a suggestion by GNU partner and FF Plus leader Cornè Mulder that the country should rethink its racial redress legislation, which in his view hindered economic growth. In an oral question to the president, Mulder said the policies raised by Ramaphosa pertained to Operation Vulindlela, which he claimed would not see the light of day if the country did not abandon race-based reforms. 'We need to amend or develop a new economic policy that can make possible real growth. If we do not have economic growth, none of the programmes will be implemented nor will they be successful. The new policy needs to take a different approach regarding black economic empowerment, employment equity and expropriation without compensation,' Mulder said. Ramaphosa was startled by the assertion and gave Mulder a history lesson on the ownership of the economy during apartheid and why legislation such as BEE was necessary. 'I'm rather surprised and taken aback when I hear that policies of BEE militate against the growth of our economy. That I find quite surprising. I work from a starting point that our economy was held back over many years by the racist policies of the past. 'Those racist policies prevented a majority of South Africans to play a meaningful role in their own economy. Black people were brought in as hewers of wood and drawers of water, as labourers. They were not even seen as consumers or active players in the economic landscape of our country.' He said democracy saved the day, opening up the economy and broadening participation. 'It is right in your face. During apartheid South Africa, you'd never see a black personality being made to advertise soap or milk or anything. Today every advert you look at has got black people. This is because it has now been realised that it is black people who are the consumers and are economic players.' Those who would want black people just to play the consumer role are truly mistaken, Ramaphosa said, adding that black people must play a productive role as well. 'I am really baffled by people who still hanker for policies of the past and to have you, sir, say that BEE is holding our economy back goes completely against even what the World Bank says. What is known clearly is that there was a report that detailed that what holds South Africa back is the level of concentration. 'They said what holds South Africa back is the fact that the ownership of the economy is in far too few hands and has not spread, that is what the World Bank and IMF said. In our country it is the privileged white people who intimidated to own the means of production. I find it very worrying that we continue to have this notion that BEE is holding us back.' Ramaphosa said the constitution's equality clause implores the government to redress the imbalances in the country, including the ownership of the economy. 'There is nothing that gives our people joy, as they go around and find that this production facility is owned by a black person, it warms one's heart, it makes us feel so good because we come from a horrible past where that was not allowed by law.' The president detailed that the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024—2029 (MTDP) in its current form will foster economic development, with an apex priority to achieve inclusive growth and job creation as the key focus. ' To achieve higher levels of economic growth, we are in many ways undertaking massive investment in infrastructure and upgrading our maintenance activities. In the budget speech finance minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed that public infrastructure spending in the next three years will amount to R1-trillion. Allocations towards capital investment remain the fastest-growing area of spending, ensuring that we use our resources to foster and support growth. He said the investment on infrastructure will be complemented by the reforms that government has embarked upon and the regulatory framework to enable public private partnerships. 'A further pillar of our economic strategy is to support sectors with high potential for growth and job creation. This includes growing our key export sectors like mining and agriculture, while developing new industries such as renewable energy, where we continue to distinguish ourselves, electric vehicles and green hydrogen in harnessing our unique advantages in the green economy. 'We are strengthening the capacity of the state, which is our key pillar of the MTDP, including turning around the financial and operational performance of state institutions including delivery at local government level.'
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Minister Solly Malatsi welcomes launch of Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of the South African Government
Minister Solly Malatsi welcomes launch of Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of the South African Government The government has launched a plan to modernise the delivery of essential services, aiming to make it easier for citizens to conduct administrative tasks with the state. This initiative is outlined in the Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government, which provides a strategic plan for enhancing government services through investment in digital public infrastructure. Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi welcomed the roadmap's launch at the Gallagher Convention Centre on May 12. 'With this roadmap, we are moving from a fragmented past to a unified, people-first, whole-of-government approach,' Malatsi stated. 'This roadmap is more than just a plan to use technology, it is a transformative vision to fundamentally change how citizens interact with their government.' Also read: Government prioritises water and sanitation security at national indaba The roadmap supports the digital transformation pillar of phase two of Operation Vulindlela, which President Cyril Ramaphosa initiated on May 7 this year. It aims to fulfill the Government of National Unity's commitment to inclusive growth, efficient service delivery, and ensuring that all South Africans can access government services. As a flagship initiative of the 7th administration, the roadmap is based on Digital Public Infrastructure principles, focusing on delivering integrated public services safely, securely, and seamlessly. At its core, the roadmap seeks to establish a 'one person, one government, one touch' system – a single, trusted platform that connects citizens to services. Collectively, these initiatives will help us achieve our vision of an inclusive, secure, and people-centred digital government. 'Together, they will demonstrate to the world what we mean by 'one person, one government, one touch.' Our goal is to ensure that citizens have a convenient, cost-effective, reliable, and user-friendly digital experience with government services.' Also read: Ward 80 councillor vows to contest 2026 local government elections The Inter-Departmental Working Group, co-chaired by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and National Treasury, will collaborate with various government departments to implement the initiatives outlined in the roadmap. These initiatives include the rollout of a Digital Identity System for remote identity verification, the creation of a Data Exchange Framework to streamline government processes, the introduction of a Digital Payments System for secure transactions, and a zero-rated Digital Services Platform that allows citizens to access government services without incurring data charges. Read more: State of the City: Johannesburg mayor pledges better services, power for informal areas For ordinary South Africans, this means that tasks such as renewing a driver's licence, applying for social grants, or accessing health records will become simpler, faster, and more affordable. The roadmap is not just about modernising systems, it is about reclaiming people's time, reducing the cost of accessing services, and ensuring that government services operate as efficiently as the best private sector platforms. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Ramaphosa offended by GNU partner Mulder's suggestion to scrap BEE laws
President Cyril Ramaphosa did not take kindly to a suggestion by GNU partner and FF Plus leader Cornè Mulder that the country should rethink its racial redress legislation, which in his view hindered economic growth. In an oral question to the president, Mulder said the policies raised by Ramaphosa pertained to Operation Vulindlela, which he claimed would not see the light of day if the country did not abandon race-based reforms. 'We need to amend or develop a new economic policy that can make possible real growth. If we do not have economic growth, none of the programmes will be implemented nor will they be successful. The new policy needs to take a different approach regarding black economic empowerment, employment equity and expropriation without compensation,' Mulder said. Ramaphosa was startled by the assertion and gave Mulder a history lesson on the ownership of the economy during apartheid and why legislation such as BEE was necessary. 'I'm rather surprised and taken aback when I hear that policies of BEE militate against the growth of our economy. That I find quite surprising. I work from a starting point that our economy was held back over many years by the racist policies of the past. 'Those racist policies prevented a majority of South Africans to play a meaningful role in their own economy. Black people were brought in as hewers of wood and drawers of water, as labourers. They were not even seen as consumers or active players in the economic landscape of our country.' He said democracy saved the day, opening up the economy and broadening participation. 'It is right in your face. During apartheid South Africa, you'd never see a black personality being made to advertise soap or milk or anything. Today every advert you look at has got black people. This is because it has now been realised that it is black people who are the consumers and are economic players.' Those who would want black people just to play the consumer role are truly mistaken, Ramaphosa said, adding that black people must play a productive role as well. 'I am really baffled by people who still hanker for policies of the past and to have you, sir, say that BEE is holding our economy back goes completely against even what the World Bank says. What is known clearly is that there was a report that detailed that what holds South Africa back is the level of concentration. 'They said what holds South Africa back is the fact that the ownership of the economy is in far too few hands and has not spread, that is what the World Bank and IMF said. In our country it is the privileged white people who intimidated to own the means of production. I find it very worrying that we continue to have this notion that BEE is holding us back.' Ramaphosa said the constitution's equality clause implores the government to redress the imbalances in the country, including the ownership of the economy. 'There is nothing that gives our people joy, as they go around and find that this production facility is owned by a black person, it warms one's heart, it makes us feel so good because we come from a horrible past where that was not allowed by law.' The president detailed that the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024—2029 (MTDP) in its current form will foster economic development, with an apex priority to achieve inclusive growth and job creation as the key focus. ' To achieve higher levels of economic growth, we are in many ways undertaking massive investment in infrastructure and upgrading our maintenance activities. In the budget speech finance minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed that public infrastructure spending in the next three years will amount to R1-trillion. Allocations towards capital investment remain the fastest-growing area of spending, ensuring that we use our resources to foster and support growth. He said the investment on infrastructure will be complemented by the reforms that government has embarked upon and the regulatory framework to enable public private partnerships. 'A further pillar of our economic strategy is to support sectors with high potential for growth and job creation. This includes growing our key export sectors like mining and agriculture, while developing new industries such as renewable energy, where we continue to distinguish ourselves, electric vehicles and green hydrogen in harnessing our unique advantages in the green economy. 'We are strengthening the capacity of the state, which is our key pillar of the MTDP, including turning around the financial and operational performance of state institutions including delivery at local government level.'
