•South Africans apologise for xenophobic attacks
Tourism INDABA 2015 ended last week at the Durban International Conference Centre in South Africa, against the backdrop of Al Shabaab threat in East Africa, the Ebola crisis in West Africa, and the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
However, optimism reigns supreme that challenges are being overcome and the industry will bounce back.
Most delegates expressed satisfaction with the response of South African Tourism (SAT) over the xenophobic attacks started in Durban and Johannesburg.
They were pleased that instead of burying its heads in the sand and complaining, SAT condemned the attacks and provided updates on the situation on the ground.
A delegate and travel expert from Kenya, Denis Gethanju, said: “I had a close meeting with the South African Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, and the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of South Africa Tourism, Thulani Nzima.
“On the xenophobic attacks that happened recently in South Africa, the minister not only regretted the attacks and the senseless killings, but was adamant that such acts of hate are not representative of the South African people.
“He did acknowledge the fact that many African countries and their leaders played a vital role towards the attainment of democracy in South Africa and did mention that South Africans were greatly thankful for that.
“The minister reiterated that South Africans are a warm and hospitable people that will continue to embrace African brotherhood.
“Of course there are lots of conflicting versions as far as the xenophobic attacks are concerned. To set the record straight, there are criminal elements that attacked both locals and foreigners and this should not be misconstrued as xenophobic attacks.
“I will give you an example. Last night, my colleague, Daniel Gitari, and I went out shopping. We happened to first land a Zulu taxi driver, but since we did not agree, we decided to take a leisurely stroll.
“But the Zulu guy informed a Zimbabwean taxi driver of what we wanted and where we wanted to go. It turned out we got one of the best drivers ever. The fellow was not only polite, but also gave us an insight into the xenophobic attacks. He advised us on areas to avoid going to in Durban.
“The bottom line is this, a Zulu taxi man helped a Zimbabwean taxi man get some business. This is not only laudable, but shows that it is not all South Africans who are rotten and baying for the blood of foreigners.
“Yes, there were people and organisations that made a no show at INDABA. But take it from me; this was one of the best INDABAs ever.”
During his opening speech, Nzima welcomed the delegates and also made reference to the xenophobic attacks.
The responses of many delegates showed that South Africans have demonstrated a high sense of responsibility to condemn the xenophobic attacks and took time to apologise to delegates.
A Nigerian delegate, Ikechi Uko, recounted how South Africans welcomed him to Durban.
“We are embarrassed by what happened. Please enjoy South Africa. Welcome home.
“This was the statement we heard from several delegates and guests as they recognised us that we are not South Africans,” recalled Uko, organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market (AfTM).
“Everyone I meet is apologetic and asking how Nigerians feel about the xenophobic madness. Is it genuine or just lip service? I believe South Africans have come to appreciate the consequences of the silly act of some youths.
“The young boy at the airport started with the question about what I thought of South Africans. Did I hate them for what happened? He wanted me to know that I was safe in Durban. Even the cleaner at the hotel told me ‘you are welcome back home.’
“I met the CEO of the Freedom Park and let her know it’s her job to educate South Africans about the role other Africans played in their liberation story. So far I have enjoyed a typical African welcome.”
Another Nigerian delegate added on a humorous note: “I took precautions, though I travelled with my own Zulu, a pretty one at that. Someone whispered to me that a Nigerian man with a pretty Zulu babe was what caused the ‘wahala’ in the first place!
“Well, that one ‘na dia toro’. Don’t blame me.”
