US travel advisory reveals ‘bigger issues at play’

THE US government has revised its travel advisory to South Africa after President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Donald Trump at the White House, raising concerns that these may be further attempts to paint the country as a no-go zone.

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

This latest level 2 travel advisory warning its citizens to be cautious when visiting the country, issued on May 27, comes hot on the heels of Ramaphosa's recent visit to Washington where he and his delegation pleaded with Trump to reconsider some of his recent views about a white genocide in South Africa.

The advisory urges American citizens to exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.

The Department of State also warns about the risk of terrorist violence and urges US Mission staff use fully armoured vehicles.

International relations expert Dr Noluthando Phungula said the US was trying to vilify South Africa as part of a bigger issue.