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"The outburst of xenophobic violence in the country in particular in
KwaZulu-Natal can cause damage to KwaZulu-Natal's tourism industry," said IFP
Spokesperson on Economic Development and Tourism, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi MPL.

"We are quite concerned that this attacks might have a negative impact in KZN
especially in tourism. We condemn the attacks as having seriously damaged the
country's reputation and as heinous and ruthless crimes against humanity. These
acts of violence have the potential to destroy KZN's image as a tourist
destination and deter foreign direct investment in our province," continued
Inkosi Buthelezi.

"Safety has always been an important prerequisite to attract national and
international tourists as well as investors. If the situation is not dealt with
swiftly, tourists from other countries would cancel their visits and this would
not reflect well economically on the KZN tourism industry. Long-term effects
would be difficult to turn around because visitors and investors plan well in
advance .Our economy is already taking strain and we cannot afford to have any
negative influences that will hamper our potential to grow," added Inkosi
Buthelezi.

"KZN presently enjoys a good reputation of being a tourism destination of choice
by other countries. Right now the GDP is about R25billion. We must do whatever
is necessary to protect that reputation and build investor confidence. Foreign
direct investments will create much-needed local jobs that will in turn reduce
poverty. Reducing unemployment and poverty will in turn reduce crime. These
knock-on effects will result in a peaceful nation that can take its place in the
international community as safe destination for tourists as well as investors,"
concluded Inkosi Buthelezi.

The IFP further calls on the international community to avoid indiscriminately
advising its citizens to refrain from visiting or investing in South Africa.

 Issued by IFP