News24
In a statement, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIR&C) asked around 200 South Africans, students, who are trapped in the Ukraine to evacuate to Poland and seek safety. Clayson Monyela, the ‘s interim director-general, stated: “We are in the midst of a battle.
“There should be no expectation that Ambassador Andre Groenewald would be able to do what others have failed to achieve. Movement is not feasible, thus he must use caution in this situation. There is no location where you may rent a vehicle.
“The situation in Ukraine is not normal at this point in time. Groenewald is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The workers that were hired on the spot had to remain anonymous. He is currently working with a skeleton crew, which is a rarity for him “Monyela has contributed her voice to the mix.
Three South Africans have refused to leave the dangerous nation, stating that they would stay with their friends from other African countries if they do not leave.
“Coordination is a significant issue. We encourage South Africans to go to neighboring countries using the many forms of transportation that are accessible. We have been in contact with them. We have instructed them to board a train bound for Poland, which they have done.
President Cyril Ramaphosa told journalists on Friday that he thinks the Ukraine issue can be addressed via mediation, which may be assisted by the United Nations Security Council if it is successful. “I call on the Security Council of the United Nations to carry out its mediation responsibilities.” Russia serves as the council’s chairman.
“Additionally, our embassies in Hungary and Romania are looking forward to receiving them. According to the most recent information we received, 200 South Africans are now in Ukraine. We urge South Africans living in the country to remain in contact with our embassy in Washington “Monyela shared her thoughts.
Meanwhile, Lorraine Blauw, a member of the Ukraine Crisis Evacuation Committee, said that since the conflict began, costs have skyrocketed and students have been unable to pay their tuition.
“If you are a visitor from another country, you will be required to pay for these services. Students do not have the necessary funds. We are unable to transfer money to them since the banks in Kyiv are not operational. This is an extremely difficult situation.”
Blauw went on to say that the Polish border was particularly crowded at the time. She estimated that it would take between 20 and 60 hours to get past the border. Protesters in Pretoria demonstrate their opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. To ensure the safety of South Africans in Ukraine, Blauw and her staff, which includes Hayley Reichert in London and Kim Milner Kur in South Africa, are in frequent contact with the department’s representatives.
The South African ambassador in Kyiv characterized the situation in Ukraine as “near apocalyptic.”
“The department is willing to work with you. We communicate with them on a daily basis, if not more. Specifically, I requested them to help put pressure on the Romanian embassy in order for our people to be able to pass via Romania since Poland is open, but the Romanian border requires our people to have visas.
“We’ve pleaded with the Romanian embassy to allow our workers to enter, but for the time being, it’s simply a waiting game,” Blauw said.
She pleaded with all South Africans who had relatives in Ukraine to make contact with them as soon as possible.
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