The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has committed to bringing home over 1000 South African citizens who are currently stranded abroad.
The Department’s Minister Naledi Pandor said on Tuesday that they had been approached by approximately 1 471 South Africans who want to come home from other parts of the world.
Of this number, 723 are students, 204 are workers, 224 are tourists and 320 did not disclose.
Pandor said they cannot say that the numbers are 100% correct as these are citizens who reached out through missions and consular services.
She said they would prioritize those who are stranded at airports, running out of accommodation, the elderly and the sick.
DIRCO will continue to render consular services including negotiating with the various governments where there are lockdowns in order to facilitate the movement of stranded South Africans.
She also appealed to those who can afford to return home to do so at their own cost as DIRCO would facilitate logistics and consular services to enable them to travel back safely.
Pandor said they would also be liaising with the families and friends of those who cannot depart to contribute to the payment for their accommodation.
The Minister added that there may be more people in need of assistance that they do not yet know about.
