South Africa has accused Australia of “tarnishing” its reputation after Canberra refused to change its official travel advice about the country.
International Relations Minister Lindiwe Sisulu’s department this week released a statement saying the South African government took “strong exception” to a travel advisory posted on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller website.
"The travel advisory has the potential not only to deter Australians from visiting South Africa, but also to tarnish our country's image," the statement read.
"Officials from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation have in the past requested, without success, that the advisory be amended to reflect the situation in South Africa as it relates to the true experiences of foreign tourists.
"The decision to escalate the matter follows these unsuccessful attempts and indicates the seriousness with which the South African government values the contribution of the tourism sector to the economy."
The Australian advice, last updated on January 30, warns travellers to exercise a “high degree of caution” while travelling through South Africa.
"Exercise a high degree of caution because of the high level of serious crime. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times. Monitor media and other sources of information about possible new security risks," the advice says.
"There is a threat of terrorism in South Africa. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners such as shopping centres."
The South African department said Minister Sisulu "will raise the concerns of the South African Government relating to the advisory with her Australian counterpart, Minister Julie Bishop".
The news comes after Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton sparked controversy and diplomatic tensions by arguing white South African "persecuted" farmers needed help from a "civilised country" like Australia.
Australian Attorney-General Christian Porter on Wednesday put out the welcome mat for South African farmers, pledging to help people applying for Australian visas based on persecution.
And last week, WA Liberal backbenchers Andrew Hastie and Ian Goodenough called on Mr Peter Dutton to relax visa rules and accept 10,000 white South African farmers who are facing discrimination and violence.
