By Phephile Motau
A total of 22 South Africans are stranded on a boat in Egypt after fleeing war-torn Sudan, according to News24.
The group reportedly made contact with the Gift of the Givers on Monday, informing the organisation that they had been waiting on the boat for the past three days for clearance to catch a flight from Cairo back home, according to Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.
They were employed for a project in September last year in Port Sudan. The war broke out two weeks shy of the projected completion date. The group have been in Port Safaga for the past three days after their employer chartered a boat.
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Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) spokesperson Clayson Monyela is reported to have said the department would intervene to get the required clearances.
“We are, however, glad that the group is out of Sudan and not in harm’s way. We are also noting that their employer has so far been responsive, covering all costs and ensuring that their employees are taken care of,” Monyela said.
On Sunday, 51 South Africans arrived safely at the OR Tambo International Airport from Sudan following the clashes that have resulted in countries evacuating people.