Former University of Cape Town Vice Chancellor and well-known businesswoman, Mamokgethi Phakeng, recently sparked a debate on social media by advocating for a visa reciprocity policy for South African travellers. In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn, Phakeng voiced frustration with the visa hurdles South Africans face when visiting many Western nations. She argued that, as a top global destination, South Africa should implement a “visa-for-visa” approach, requiring the same from tourists as they do from South African travellers.
Phakeng expressed disappointment over the perceived double standard in visa policies, where South Africans must often undergo time-consuming processes, prove financial stability, and pay significant fees to visit countries that allow their own citizens free access to South Africa. “If any country wants us to apply and pay for a visa to visit them, then it’s only fair for us to demand the same of their citizens,” she wrote. Phakeng pointed out that the assumption visas would deter tourists was “insulting,” implying South Africa’s value as a travel destination would remain, regardless of visa requirements.
A Call for Confidence in South Africa’s Value as a Destination
Phakeng further argued that visa-free access doesn’t necessarily drive tourism to South Africa, stating, “We have everything imaginable. No one comes here because it’s visa-free; they come because they want to experience what we have to offer.” For her, the notion that tourists would avoid South Africa if visas were required shows a lack of faith in the nation’s appeal. According to Phakeng, the current visa-free policy not only undermines South Africa’s dignity but also costs the country potential revenue and job opportunities.
Sharing her personal experience, Phakeng described how, despite never having been denied a visa herself, the visa process could be financially and emotionally taxing. “If a traveller gets denied a visa, they don’t get a refund and lose money. If you don’t book flexible flights & hotels, it’s a disaster. You lose money & experience, but they profit even after denying you entry,” she said, highlighting the financial risks South Africans often face due to strict visa policies.
Public Reaction: Calls for Change and Rational Reciprocity
Phakeng’s remarks resonated with South African social media users, who chimed in with similar grievances. Many users expressed frustration over the high fees and extensive requirements they must meet to obtain visas for countries like the UK, while citizens from those nations enjoy unrestricted access to South Africa.
A user, @MahSotobe, commented, “I’ve been saying! Yoh, seeing Arabs come and go as they please yet we have to dish out close to R3,000 for a visa … makes me sick.” Another supporter, @masindii, agreed, “Indeed, if a country charges us it’s only fair that we charge them too. If they don’t have visa fees, we should also do the same.”
However, the conversation also brought up concerns about the reasons behind some visa restrictions. Responding to @LeoBombayage, who pointed out past passport fraud issues that prompted the UK to impose visa restrictions on South Africans, Phakeng suggested a balanced approach. “People who make these considerations should be rational. You can’t apply a tit-for-tat approach even when you are clearly on the wrong,” she clarified, stressing that reciprocity should be pursued only if there is no justified reason for the restrictions.
Phakeng’s Stance: Reclaiming Revenue and Dignity
In her posts, Phakeng criticised South Africa’s “timid leadership” for failing to implement such policies, arguing that it leads to a loss in both dignity and financial opportunities for the country. “We are surrendering our dignity AND losing millions in potential revenue and job opportunities while Western countries make billions from visa fees,” she said.
Phakeng’s push for reciprocity is part of a broader discussion around South Africa’s place on the global tourism map and the need for balanced, fair policies that reflect the country’s worth as a world-class destination.
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