Over 1,000 Nigerians stranded in South Africa

More than one thousand Nigerians are stranded in South Africa and awaiting evacuation.

South African anti-immigrants groups have given foreign nationals living in the country up till June 30 to exit the country.

Anxiety has continued to mount as the embattled citizens have less than 48 hours to leave the former apartheid nation.

President of Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA), Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, called for speedy action. 

He said, “As you may know, the first flight that evacuated people took about 268 people and Wednesday another 66 people left through an arranged flight from a private person from Nigeria. And so, we still have over 1,000 names remaining which we’re hoping that the other four flights has been approved by the government of Nigeria will be able to airlift them.”

Speaking on the conditions of the people awaiting evacuation, Onyekwelu said it is not looking too good, especially as they have been displaced.

He explained that frustration has started setting in. He added: “So far, we might have about a thousand people remaining. It’s not sounding well. Some of them are really frustrated. Some of them are managing wherever they found themselves as you may know that many of them came from far provinces and they are not living in Johannesburg here.

“So, currently, some of them are dispatched, hanging around in various places. Some in churches, in some community halls, and the weather is not favourable. “As you may know, we are in our winter season here in South Africa. So, it’s very cold and women and children being exposed to the cold weather, it’s a risk to their health. It’s also a risk to their general well-being. “So, the economic challenges- some of them don’t have money to buy food or buy hygiene products to continue to manage and wait. It’s been two weeks now since the cancellation on the 15th of January. “

He disclosed that support is coming from the Nigerian community.

He however pleaded with the government to hasten the process. 

According to him: “But the community is supporting where they can, buying groceries, buying food, and some personal hygiene products just to show them love and support. We continue to plead with our government and appeal that they will fast-track the process and whatever that is causing the technical delay so that these people will be airlifted and they will find their way back home where they can at least relax and have some peaceful sleep. So, the condition is not conducive for them.

“Many of them are squatting like you see like 10-15 people in one room or in one hall, you know, struggling to manage themselves and hold on until when they will get a confirmed date for evacuation. That is the current situation of our people.”

Speaking on the deadline, Onyekwelu said Nigerians have been sensitised on the need to take extra precautions.