Home Coronavirus: DIRCO slammed for failing to help SA citizens ‘trapped in China’

Coronavirus: DIRCO slammed for failing to help SA citizens ‘trapped in China’

With fears heightened over the spread of the coronavirus, the last thing South Africa needs is a lack of leadership from our international departments. Sadly, it’s believed that this is exactly what’s happening with DIRCO and the SA Embassy in China.

South Africans in China “not being helped” by DIRCO

Darren Bergman is the shadow DIRCO minister. He says that the DA Abroad have made several attempts to contact South African government representatives in China, but failed to acquire any coherent information from them. Bergman, who is the opposite number of International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor, listed the following issues:

  • The 24-hour emergency DIRCO number is “unresponsive”.
  • He criticised the advice given to citizens for its “broad and indirect” nature.
  • The SA Embassy in China has been closed for New Year celebrations – at a time where people need assistance.
  • DIRCO are also accused of failing to communicate clearly with the health department and South Africans in China.

How many South Africans are affected by the coronavirus?

The coronavirus has now killed over 100 people, and has been detected in at least 15 different countries. There have been no cases reported in SA, and none of our compatriots have contracted the disease yet.

The outbreak took place in Wuhan, China – a bustling district that is also home to a big international community. Dozens of South Africans are now “trapped” in the region, and they won’t be able to evacuate immediately:

“We’ve been in contact with over 100 South Africans in China, many of them trapped in Wuhan. The latest communication is that DIRCO will not evacuate South African citizens. DIRCO Minister Naledi Pandor must show leadershipto urgently intervene in the current state of dysfunction at the SA Embassy in China.”

“As we understand it, citizens who wish to leave must undergo a 14 day quarantine and then make their own way home. The DA is concerned that citizens are not pointed to the exact quarantine location and that no information is being offered in terms of available transport. The department must express themselves clearly.”

Darren Bergman

Coronavirus – are our borders safe?

Freedom Front Plus have also registered their concerns with the way South Africa is handling the coronavirus outbreak. They believe that more border control is needed to limit the chances of coronavirus surfacing on our shores:

“The FF Plus is cautioning the South African government to take precautionary action to ensure that all South African citizens are protected against the virus. It is not sufficient to just increase control at the country’s airports and harbours, because the virus can easily enter the country by coming across borders.”

FF Plus statement


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