Ramaphosa says SA, UK ‘red list’ matter discussed with Johnson
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the United Kingdom's decision to keep South Africa on its red list - forcing travellers into a pricey hotel quarantine - has been discussed with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Thursday night on the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
"Since the United Kingdom is South Africa’s biggest source of tourism from the northern hemisphere and a significant trading partner,” he said.
"While UK scientists were concerned about the presence of the Beta variant in South Africa, the reality is that the Delta variant is now by far the dominant variant in the country.
"I had a call with the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to discuss this matter. I put South Africa’s case to him, which he understood very well. We both agreed that decisions of this nature should be informed by science."
Ramaphosa said he's aware of the criticism around the length of the national state of disaster.
"Our scientists continue to advise us on all these matters. Vaccination is our best defence. If we can reach our vaccination target by the end of this year we can avoid further restrictions and kick our economic recovery into high gear."
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