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THE Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that visa regulations for tourists are to be revised to ease their entry into South Africa.

“This will make a big difference in the Western Cape which has invested heavily in its thriving tourist industry,” said Ms Janine Myburgh, President of the Chamber.
She said the stimulus package was generally positive and it had certainly brightened the outlook for the country.

“What the visa changes show is that ways can be found to boost the economy without spending money. Sometimes all the government has to do is remove the hurdles and growth will take place.”

She said the Chamber would now like to see a systematic search for hurdles and red tape to free up the economy and give business the space to grow and create jobs.
The visa problems and the solutions had been set out very clearly for the government only to be met with stubborn resistance and a refusal to understand the damage being done to the economy and job creation. “Finally, someone has listened, but why do we always have to fight against brick walls?”

Ms Myburgh also welcomed plans to develop agriculture but warned against simplistic views on land reform.

“Successful agriculture depends on water and how it is used. This means investments in modern irrigation systems and the use of sophisticated technology to increase productivity. Simply changing the ownership of land will not produce any more food, but intensive productive farming methods will,” she said.

Issued by The Cape Chamber of Commerce