As we enter 2025, South Africa travel managers must plan for numerous significant challenges that could impact their corporate travel programmes. Based on a recent report from our BCD Travel global risk assessment team, here are the primary risks requiring attention:
Escalating Weather Patterns
The increasing frequency of extreme weather events like hurricanes and flash floods will continue to pose substantial challenges to business travellers. In addition to dealing with international travel disruptions, travellers must also contend with domestic infrastructure vulnerabilities like strikes and load shedding, which also cause considerable travel disruptions. To reduce these disruptions, we recommend developing travel policy protocols to minimise disruption. Thise can include factoring a buffer time into schedules to account for potential delays and avoiding travel to destinations that have seasonal weather patterns that typically disrupt travel.
Digital Security Challenges
As digital travel Identification matures, so the advancement poses new risks for corporate travel. Social media platforms are also a breeding grounds for AI-generated misinformation, making it crucial for travel managers to rely exclusively on verified sources for travel intelligence, all emphasising the importance of robust security protocols.
Local travel managers should:
- Implement security measures for travellers, like providing secure VPN access
- Increase security around mobile payment, as business travellers often need to use multiple payment systems across different countries
- Subscribe to travel alerts from reputable travel companies
- Consider the implications of POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) when handling traveller data across borders
Global Political Tensions
The international political environment remains volatile, presenting unique challenges for South African businesses sending employees abroad. Political polarisation has increased risks of civil unrest in various countries, including major business destinations. Travel managers must stay particularly vigilant when sending employees to regions experiencing political instability, as situations can change rapidly and affect both travel arrangements and business operations.
In addition, understand the implications of South Africa’s BRICS membership when planning business travel and develop contingency plans for regions where South African passport holders may face additional scrutiny.
Employee Wellbeing Focus
Mental health remains a key consideration in corporate travel management. The specific stresses of international business travel – including time zone adjustments and cultural differences – require dedicated support systems. Forward-thinking organisations are now implementing comprehensive wellness measures in their travel programmes to help maintain employee wellness while potentially enhancing both productivity and satisfaction levels.
Practical Implementation for South African Organisations
Pre-Travel Planning:
- Ensure that you provide medical insurance to international travellers and that it is accepted in key business destinations
- Create information documents that include both English and local language versions for key destinations
- Develop clear protocols for emergency repatriation
During Travel Support:
- Provide 24/7 support to travellers
- Maintain communication channels that work across various telecommunications networks
- Ensure access to funds considering South African exchange control regulations
Post-Travel Procedures:
- Maintain records that align with both POPIA and international data protection requirements
- Review and update travel policies based on specific feedback from South African business contexts
This localised approach ensures that South African travel managers can effectively protect their travellers while maintaining efficient business operations across global markets. The focus should remain on developing flexible systems that can adapt to both local and international changes while maintaining high standards of traveller safety and support.