Covid-19 pandemic leaves former Durban woman stuck in Bali

THE devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has left a South African citizen, Charnae Roetz, stranded in Bali for months.

And while being stuck in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations might sound like a dream holiday, the 32-year-old former Durban woman painted a heart-wrenching story when she spoke to Caxton Local Media on Friday morning.

ALSO READ: GOOD NEWS: 8 South Africans stranded at Doha airport are coming home

“I was supposed to fly back today, but the airline cancelled my flight the day before yesterday (Wednesday, 1 July),” she said. 

This is the third time her flights have been cancelled.

“The first time they cancelled my flights it cost me R11 000 to change it and then an extra R6 000 the second time,” said a disheartened Roetz.

“My accommodation has now been cancelled and I have essentially run out of money,” she added. 

Roetz said she spent over 24 hours on the phone since her last flight was cancelled desperately trying to find an alternative flight home – with no luck so far.

ALSO READ: Air travel during lockdown: the South African traveller’s guide

“The consulate in Jakarta told me the earliest flight available could possibly be on 2 August, but he could not confirm. He is waiting for more information,” said the former Durban North College learner.

Roetz travelled to Bali for a job she had been offered.

“I was supposed to start on 1 April, so I flew there on 16 March to give myself time to settle in and enjoy a mini holiday before I start. On 28 March they contacted me to inform me that they would be postponing my start date, and then a month later they completely retracted the offer,” she said.

At the verge of tears, Roetz said she has been living mainly on peanut butter sandwiches and coffee.

“I would do absolutely anything for some hot food,” she said, managing a laugh.

“I am just so grateful to my best friend, Nikita Carmel Govender and her family. They lent me the money to help change my flights, knowing that I don’t have a job. This is such a lonely time for me and they gave me hope on coming home,” she said.

Noor Abdulla Jassmi, a spokesperson for Qatar Airways, said plans were in place to resume flight to South Africa “as soon as possible once International Flight Restrictions are eased”.

Jassmi urged the public to visit www.gov.za/Coronavirus/travel for the latest information on South Africa Travel restrictions.

Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting

Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).

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