President Cyril Ramaphosa's security team's plane - with a group of South African journalists also on board - has been left stranded at an airport in Poland.
As Ramaphosa headed to Ukraine and Russia to participate in an African leader's peace mission over the war in the region, part of his security team was delayed in Poland amid allegations of racism.
While Ramaphosa's journey to Kyiv did not encounter problems, part of his team was traveling by charter plane and was meant to meet him upon arrival.
However, the security team's plane - with a group of South African journalists also on board - has been left stranded in Poland.
Speaking in Warsaw, the head of the team, Major-General Wally Rhoode said the South African government obtained all the necessary permits and had been engaging with the Polish government for two weeks over the visit.
"They are putting the life of our President in jeopardy because we could have been in Kyiv on Friday afternoon already," said Rhoode.
He says a female member of their team was allegedly strip-searched - something Rhoode says is unheard of for someone on a diplomatic passport - and the group opted to re-load their cargo onto their plane, amid fears that their weapons might be confiscated.
"And I want you to see this - how racist they are," said Rhoode.
Poland shares borders with both Ukraine and Russia.
Ramaphosa, together with other African heads of state, will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy this weekend - and it is understood he does have a small security team with him.
- Jacaranda FM
