Flights for SA citizens stranded across the world
SOUTH Africans stranded abroad are scrambling to return home, with the government assisting in their repatriation.
International Relations and Co-operation spokesperson Clayson Monyela said the department continued to facilitate the repatriation of South Africans stranded in various cities across the world, despite regulations introduced by many countries.
Monyela said citizens have returned from Brazil, the US, Italy, Germany, the UK, the Maldives, Nigeria and Namibia.
“The latest arrival was recorded on Saturday when a group of 80 South Africans were repatriated from Rome, Italy. In line with the regulations, they have all been transferred to various quarantine sites in Gauteng.”
He said the department assured all South Africans stranded abroad that it is doing everything within its powers to facilitate their return back home.
“Our efforts are being constrained by regulations introduced to limit the movement of people globally.
“Many countries across the world have instituted lockdowns to curb the spread of Covid-19.”
Two SA Airways flights departed Frankfurt on Saturday, with 305 South
Africans from various European countries on the planes.
The second flight diverted to Egypt to pick up 34 stranded South Africans.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said that the Airports Company SA through OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport had facilitated the evacuation and repatriation of 13 783 passengers from April 1 to 18.
Home Away From Home project leader Darren Bergman said that with an increasing amount of frustration and desperation taking place abroad, “it is completely inappropriate for a jet that can hold more than 300 passengers to depart with less than a third of its passenger hold”.
He was referring to the 80 South Africans repatriated from Rome on Saturday.