The outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has led to a ban by the director of the department of immigration and citizenship on DRC citizens entering SA But this border closure strategy has met with opposition. In strategic terms the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not recommended border closures, saying that they cause more economic and social harm than what little they do to curb the disease. And, in local terms, the Federation of Southern and East African Road Transport Associations (Fesarta), has taken the same stance. “Whilst it is accepted that the outbreak of the Ebola virus is a serious issue,” it said in a statement, “the transport industry recommends that other preventative measures be taken at the borders, rather than stopping DRC citizens from entering the country.”
