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The tourism industry got a shot in the arm with Zimbabwe allowing restaurants to re-open for sit-in patrons who are fully vaccinated upon production of vaccination cards and strict adherence to Covid-19 while the South African Airways (SAA) is getting back in the skies.
In a post-Cabinet briefing to journalists yesterday, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services said restaurants are allowed to re-open for sit-in patrons who are fully vaccinated upon production of vaccination cards and strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols.
In other news, SAA will once again be visible in the skies as the airline resumes operations. The carrier has confirmed the first flights will commence on Thursday, 23 of September 2021. Tickets will go on sale on Thursday, 26 August 2021. Voyager bookings and Travel Credit Voucher redemption will be available from Monday, 6 September 2021.
SAA Interim CEO Thomas Kgokolo says, “After months of diligent work, we are delighted that SAA is resuming service and we look forward to welcoming onboard our loyal passengers and flying the South African flag. We continue to be a safe carrier and adhering to COVID-19 protocols.”
SAA will as an initial phase operate flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka, and Maputo. More destinations will be added to the route network as it ramps up operations in response to market conditions.
Kgokolo added, “there is a profound feeling of enthusiasm within Team SAA as we prepare for takeoff, with one common purpose – to rebuild and sustain a profitable airline that once again takes a leadership role among local, continental, and international airlines.”
Notes Kgokolo, “The aviation sector is currently going through a testing period, and we are aware of the tough challenges that lie ahead in the coming weeks. We thank South Africa for the support we have received in getting us to where we are today. As we are now poised for takeoff, we see this as a major milestone for SAA and the country.”
According to the chairman of the SAA’s Board, John Lamola, since the national carrier came out of business rescue at the end of April 2021, the Department of Public Enterprises together with the Board and the Management team have been seized with planning for the relaunching of a restructured and fit for purpose airline that South Africans can again be proud of. “The airline is restarting with a formidable business case”, says Lamola.