South African tourists
Monishka Govender|Published
FOLLOWING a viral video of a confrontation between South African tourists and a Mozambican local, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has urged those experiencing difficulties while travelling to contact consular services.
DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said South Africans who encountered serious challenges while outside the country should seek assistance through the country’s diplomatic missions.
“Where South Africans face severe difficulties they can call the consulate services for help with their concerns,” said Phiri.
The video, which has been widely shared on social media, showed a group of South African holidaymakers involved in a heated exchange with a Mozambican local at a seaside restaurant.
In the video the South Africans said they were in the country legally.
A South African woman said “did not swim here,” while another is heard saying, “You guys are our helpers at home,” a remark that prompted laughter from the local.
The footage does not capture the beginning of the confrontation, making it unclear what sparked the exchange.
However, the incident is believed to have occurred against the following the recent anti-immigrant protests across South Africa.
During the exchange, the Mozambican local repeatedly questioned why the South Africans chose to visit Mozambique.
“Why are you coming here to Mozambique?” he asked.
One of the South African women responded: “Why were you there (South Africa)? We are here to visit and not reside unlike you.”
The local replies: “We are a beautiful country. That’s why you like it.”
The South African woman then attempted to explain that they had travelled to Mozambique as tourists and had paid to visit the country.
Another woman then placed her hand over her mouth and pulled her back, seemingly to de-escalate the situation.
The local continued: “So why did you chase us there? Why do you chase us? Why don’t you talk with your South African friends? Why didn’t you go to Cape Town? Why did you come here to Mozambique?”
The man continued addressing the group even after the two South African women stopped responding and sat down.
Members of the South African group gestured for him to continue speaking.
“We are not happy with you guys. I tell you guys, you must go tell your president,” he said before informing the group that he was recording the interaction.
The South Africans responded by telling him to continue filming.
Other people at the restaurant are heard shouting, “Tlhele lani Mzansi,” meaning “Go back to South Africa.”
The exchange sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many users linking the confrontation to growing regional frustrations over the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.
Shireen Eraman, academic programme leader for Global Tourism at MANCOSA said when borders divide, tourism suffered and Southern Africa cannot afford another crisis of trust.
“The events that unfolded this week between South African tourists and local communities in Mozambique serve as a sobering reminder that tourism is about far more than beaches, luxury lodges and passport stamps. Tourism is fundamentally about people. It is built on trust, respect and cultural understanding.
“When political tensions, xenophobia or national grievances spill into tourism spaces, the consequences extend far beyond those directly involved. They threaten livelihoods, regional economies and the reputation of destinations that have spent decades building themselves into welcoming places for international visitors,” she said.
She said the reported confrontation involving South African tourists in Mozambique follows heightened tensions resulting from xenophobic attacks against Mozambican nationals in parts of South Africa.
“Whether these incidents were isolated acts of frustration or symptomatic of deeper societal tensions, they reveal how quickly political and social issues can transcend national borders. Tourism unfortunately becomes one of the first casualties.
“Travellers today make decisions differently from previous generations. Social media platforms can spread dramatic images across the globe within minutes, often without providing the full context. A single video showing tourists feeling unsafe may reach millions of potential travellers before tourism authorities have an opportunity to respond. For many international visitors planning holidays months in advance, perception often outweighs reality. They may simply decide to travel elsewhere.”
Eraman said Mozambique contributed significantly to South Africa’s tourism landscape.
“Thousands of Mozambican visitors travel south for shopping, education, medical services, sporting events and leisure. The tourism relationship between the two countries is not one-sided; it is mutually beneficial. Economic interdependence means that hostility directed at visitors ultimately harms both nations.
“Countries that have experienced political unrest or civil conflict often require years, sometimes decades, to rebuild traveller confidence.”
She said that diplomatic engagement between South Africa and Mozambique should be accompanied by coordinated tourism campaigns that emphasise unity, hospitality and mutual respect.
“At the same time, tourism cannot be viewed in isolation from broader social challenges. Xenophobia, economic inequality and unemployment continue to fuel tensions in many societies.
“Despite this week’s unfortunate events, there remains every reason to remain optimistic about the future of tourism between South Africa and Mozambique. The relationship between the two nations is rooted in centuries of cultural exchange, shared history, family connections and economic cooperation,” said Eraman.
