Campaign launch: Restore visa-free travel to the UK

Today sees the launch of our campaign to restore visa-free travel for South Africans to the UK – and you can play an important part.

Show your support by signing our petition at Change.org. This will be delivered to No. 10 Downing Street in March next year.

Since 2008, South Africans visiting the UK have needed a visa. Eight years have passed without resolution. Over these years the number of visitors have dropped by a third from 351,000 to 231,000. Many South Africans have told me that one of the issues which frustrate them is the visa charges which current stands at almost 1500ZAR per person.

There are over 200,000 South Africans living in the UK, but this is more than a London- or UK-centric campaign. Voices from South Africa are vital. Readers who have friends, family and business interests back home are encouraged to share widely.

Our first target is to reach 10,000 signatures to signal to both Governments the mood of the public; however, we want to surpass this figure with your support. This will be your campaign.

Results will not happen overnight. South Africans will need to be patient. 2017 presents an opportunity as the UK-SA Bilateral Forum takes place in South Africa. This is a high ranking event where Foreign Ministers meet to discuss bilateral relations. The more voices backing the campaign the further we can push this issue up the agenda.

A return to visa-free travel will help make it easier to reunite family and friends as well as stimulating more business opportunities. More broadly it will allow more South Africans the chance to visit the UK more cheaply and effortlessly.

The works starts right now not now now. With your help let’s make our shared campaign viral – sign the petition and spread the message.