South African citizens safely home from Sudan PHOTOS

South Africa’s foreign minister Dr Naledi Pandor welcomed home the remaining group of South Africans who were evacuated from conflict-stricken Sudan.

Speaking at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, the Minister expressed delight at the return of the citizens.

“We thought that it is important that the people of South Africa see that all the nationals of South Africa that had indicated that they wish to return home are back home. We just want South Africa to be assured because all of us have been waiting for you to come back. We’re absolutely happy that (you were) able to return home safely.”

South African citizens (along with nationals from other countries) had been stranded in Sudan after the unrest began two weeks ago. The South African government worked closely with neighbouring countries as well as South African NGO, Gift of the Givers to ensure the safe return of the country’s citizens.

Over the past 48 hours, a total of 63 people have arrived safely back on SA soil, so relieved to be home after their harrowing experience.

The minister said a lot of organisation went into bringing them home.

“We had a joint committee that worked on evacuations,” she said of the committee, which was made up of various government departments.

On Sunday, 51 South Africans returned home from Sudan, along with a Lesotho national and a Zimbabwean national on the same flight.

“We are really happy that you’re back home,” said the Minister, who was flanked by fellow Cabinet Ministers – Home Affairs Minister, Dr, Aaron Motsoaledi and Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Thandi Modise.

However, the Minister added that she is concerned about the people of Sudan amid the ongoing conflict.

“We as government hope that we can play some role in bringing peace back to Sudan, because I don’t think we should dessert the people of Sudan. It is in South Africa’s policy that we must try wherever we can on our continent to silence the guns.

“We are unhappy when we see people suffering and so we will try to make every effort to really engage with the current conflict party in Sudan to persuade them to lay down arms to persuade them to work for peace.”

Help urgently needed for South African with 2 Scottie dogs

One South African man – who refused to leave behind his two beloved Scottie dogs – has managed to escape Sudan but now needs help to get from Aswan to Cairo and back home to South Africa. The SA government has kindly said all the dogs’ papers are in order and there’s no need for the usual extra paperwork. However the cost of a flight for the three of them is exorbitant – around R27,000. If anyone has contacts at an airline, or could help in any way possible, please WHATSAPP AMANDA-LEIGH ON 078 305 692. He has pet-friendly accommodation until Wednesday. MORE HERE: Please help get Adam and his Scottie dogs back to South Africa.

Sources include SAnews.gov.za