South Africa’s tourism minister has condemned the chaotic visa processing system that has left thousands of football fans stranded ahead of the World Cup. In a blunt statement, the minister called the debacle a clear sign of incompetence within the home affairs department. The crisis has seen long queues outside embassies, lost applications, and reports of fans being forced to miss matches after spending months in bureaucratic limbo.
Critics argue that the failures reflect a wider problem of government mismanagement, with the tourism sector already reeling from the pandemic. The minister has promised an urgent review, but for the fans stuck in visa purgatory, promises ring hollow. Many have spent thousands on tickets and flights only to be denied entry due to paperwork delays.
The row threatens to overshadow the tournament and has cast a shadow over South Africa’s ability to host major events. The economy, already struggling, now faces a blow to its reputation. Ordinary South Africans, who rely on tourism for their livelihoods, watch in dismay as officials pass the buck.
The minister’s frank admission of incompetence has done little to reassure those caught in the chaos, and pressure is mounting for heads to roll.
