BREAKING | About 200 repatriated South Africans stranded at OR Tambo airport without food and water

About 200 people who took a flight from Washington DC in the US last night and arrived at OR Tambo this afternoon are stuck on the airport’s tarmac with nowhere to go.

One person on the flight who wanted to return home to Cape Town, told News24 that the group was set to be housed at a hotel for quarantine.

He said, however, that the group found out only after landing that there was an issue with an agreement between the government and the hotel, meaning the group has nowhere to go. 

“People are trying to remain in good spirits,” he said, “but I don’t know how long this will last. We’ve been here since 17:00 and all I really want is some rest and some food.”

The man said not a single government official is there at the airport, but said airport staff had allowed the group to use toilet facilities. They are not, however, allowed to enter the airport terminal. 

He said he is also concerned about where the group may be taken, after hearing reports of unsatisfactory housing arrangements made for those in quarantine. 

News24 has reached out to government departments. This is a developing story.

– Kerushun Pillay
Pictured are those stuck on the tarmac.