AFTER spending almost a week stranded at the Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, the eight South Africans will soon be repatriated.
The Highway Mail spoke to Chelsea Williams, a 27-year-old Durban North resident, yesterday about the ordeal.
When Chelsea landed in Doha on Thursday, 26 March at 11pm, she was told her connecting flight to Johannesburg was cancelled as South Africa’s borders were shut.
She met up with seven other fellow South Africans at the airport. They slept on the airport floor for four nights and were then given accommodation at the airport hotel.
ALSO READ: Durban woman stranded at Doha airport shares her stark reality
Last night, The SA Embassy in Doha, announced on Facebook that it had arranged with Qatar Airways, Airport Authority and the Ministry of Interior to take the group toiletries, warm clothes and other items they required.
“We also want to say a special thank you to Nando’s for supplying the group with a proudly South African meal. The group remains in high spirits and the Embassy continues to work tirelessly to ensure their safe return home. Once again the Embassy thanks all South African’s in Qatar for their continued support and prayers,” said the post.
This morning, at about 5am, Chelsea shared a brief but emotional message on Facebook:
“We couldn’t tell you sooner, but we are on our way HOME” alongside a photo of the eight South Africans.
The Highway Mail will keep you updated on the story as it develops.
Comment has not yet been received from the South African Presidency, the South African Embassy in Doha or the Hamad International Airport.
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