“The steps we have taken to improve how we regulate the movement of children are intended also to give effect to the Children’s Act, 2005 which sets out principles relating to the care and protection of children,” director general Mkuseli Apleni said in a statement.

“Among other things, the Children’s Act demands specifically the protection of children from abduction as it prohibits this horrendous act. Our concern has always been on promoting national security, which has a far-reaching impact on tourism as well. This I must reiterate: Our policy has never been tourism by any means possible.”

The statement was released to accompany the publication of arrival pattern statistics for the period June 1 to June 22, 2013, 2014 and this year.

Available: http://ewn.co.za/2015/06/01/SA-detainee-in-Egypt-a-priority-for-Dirco