Ramaphosa launches ETA

by SAVIOUS KWINIKA 
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has launched South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at O.R. Tambo International Airport, presenting the digital immigration system as part of efforts to make the country faster, safer and more welcoming to international visitors.

The launch comes after a wave of anti-foreigner protests and violence raised concerns across Africa and beyond, with reports of intimidation of foreign nationals fuelling fears among potential visitors.

Tourism stakeholders warned that images of xenophobic violence could damage South Africa’s reputation and discourage travellers, particularly from other African countries.

Against that backdrop, the President’s appearance at the country’s busiest international gateway carries a message beyond technology.

It is widely viewed as an attempt to restore confidence and demonstrate that South Africa remains open to tourists, business travellers and visitors from around the world.

Ramaphosa said a country’s reputation begins at its border, stressing that “every nation is known by the way it welcomes its visitors”.

The ETA combines biometric verification, machine learning and an upgraded Electronic Movement Control System, allowing travellers to undergo faster digital processing while strengthening border security.

The system has been designed to reduce delays and modernise South Africa’s immigration infrastructure.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has similarly framed the reform as central to South Africa’s competitiveness.

“This is not just a digital upgrade; it is a fundamental shift in how we welcome visitors, how we compete globally and how we grow our tourism economy,” she said.

Her comments come as the tourism industry confronts the reputational consequences of hostility towards foreigners.

De Lille previously acknowledged concerns over anti-foreigner protests, saying government needed to find a balance between addressing legitimate grievances and ensuring people could “live peacefully together”.

The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) has condemned intimidation, violence and discrimination against foreign nationals, saying such incidents could alarm travellers, trade partners and stakeholders across the continent.

However, it stressed that tourism operations remained open and that visitors were continuing to travel.

South African Tourism has also warned that xenophobic incidents can undermine the country’s image as a welcoming destination and damage regional travel confidence.

For South Africa, the challenge is therefore twofold: modernise the visitor experience while convincing the world that foreigners are safe and welcome.

The ETA may streamline entry, but rebuilding international confidence will ultimately depend on consistent action against xenophobia, violence and discrimination.

The message from government and the tourism industry is clear: South Africa wants visitors to come, experience its attractions and feel welcome from the moment they arrive.

– CAJ News