Question NW1825 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
31 August 2021 - NW1825
Hlengwa, Mr M to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether any South African (SA) nationals are stuck in Afghanistan; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) Whether there are any immediate plans to withdraw SA nationals from Afghanistan; if not, why not; if so, what are the full relevant details? NW2048e
Reply:
1. Yes, there are thirty four (34) South Africans present in Afghanistan according to the reports from the South African High Commission in Pakistan. Thirty (30) South Africans managed to leave Kabul on evacuation flights arranged by the relevant Employers who utilised the United States of America and the United Kingdom evacuation flights. The remaining four South African citizens await evacuation arrangements by the Employers.
2. No, the South Africans are in Afghanistan on private business, mostly working for large multi-national companies, International Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and international security companies. South African citizens that approached DIRCO and the South African High Commission in Pakistan have been informed that it is the responsibility of the Employer to arrange the evacuation of their foreign staff on special evacuation flights.