Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2 min read | 11:40 am CAT

America has issued a new travel warning for Americans travelling along the route in Mpumalanga, which will take them to the Numbi Gate of the Kruger National Park. This follows weeks after a German tourist was shot dead in an attempted hijacking in the area. In the message, the US Embassy advised its citizens to use alternative routes to visit the world-famous Park.

In a conversation with Radio Islam International, ActionSA’s Mpumalanga’s Thoko Mashiane said. “The travel warning by the US to its citizens regarding the infamous stretch of road going toward the Kruger National Park is disturbing as Mpumalanga is known to be a tourist destination.”

Most employment comes from the hospitality sector. Should international people be warned not to visit Mpumalanga, specifically the Kruger National Park, in a rural area where the employment rate is already staggering. It raises many concerns.

Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has assured that only three tourists have died in South Africa since 1994.

Mashiane said, “one death is one too many. That is an irresponsible utterance from the Minister.”

She added that the government’s action to address international travellers’ concerns includes visible policing. If people are found to be threatening the tourists, they must be brought to book immediately with no bail and given a very harsh sentence.

“We need a change of government in South Africa whether it’s liked or not,” she says.

Listen below to the interview with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Thoko Mashiane on Radio Islam’s podcast.