EFF statement on the repatriation of South Africans who are stranded abroad

7 April 2020

The Economic Freedom Fighters notes the efforts by The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in repatriating South Africans who are stranded in other countries.

The rapid spread of COVID-19 pandemic around the world, has seen most countries put into law travel restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19. As a result, 1 471 South Africans are stranded in foreign countries. Out ofthe 1 471 who are stranded 723 are students. Some are stranded at airports with no accommodation and no food, thus the decisiveness of the government in this regard is commendable.

As the EFF we commend and express our gratitude to the people in the frontline of the

repatriation of South Africans. We appreciate the gravity of the situation and the selflessness and patriotism that has been displayed by the essential services providers, in particular the members of SANDF who will be traveling to the different destinations.

We hope that the government has put in place adequate measures to ensure that those who are repatriated will be put under compulsory quarantine before they can be released to their families. For those who will have contracted the virus, we urge the government to act swiftly and give the necessary attention to these citizens and prevent the spread of the virus.

Let us all continue to observe the lockdown regulations, by staying home. By so doing we shall surely overcome COVID-19.

Issued by Vuyani Pambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 7 April 2020