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.
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“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.
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“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
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