Cape Town — The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said it is unable to help a South African woman currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The woman, Bongile Mpande, posted a video on social media where she explained her situation and pleaded with anyone who could help her return home.
She said she had moved to the UAE six years ago and was working there. She lost her job and was given the option to resign or get fired.
She resigned and stayed on a residency visa, but because she could not find a new job, the visa was cancelled, and the bank subsequently banned her from travelling.
“We all make decisions thinking it’s the right decision at the time and I take full accountability that I could have made better decisions this year, however, I am here where I am now and I need help,” she said.
She added that she found a job in South Africa but she was unable to leave the country until the loan was fully paid up as she tried to negotiate an agreement.
“I’m sitting here without proper housing, scrambling through. I was wise enough to get my children out of the country so they were safe in South Africa. I’ve been to immigration, I’ve been to the court, and I’ve spoken to our consulate, but nobody has tried to help me,” she said.
“I’m not one for drama. I am not one to get people involved in my personal life but if there’s anyone who can help me, please speak to someone who can assist me with this crisis. I’m literally stuck in a foreign country, and I don’t know how I’m going to leave.” she added.
WATCH BELOW:
Patriots please let’s help our own she’s stuck in the UAE she’s been to the consulate but no luck and she needs to comeback home and start a job in January pic.twitter.com/WlNEEPX9JC
— Abahambe Abdul Majola🇿🇦🇷🇺 (@LadyAbahambe) December 19, 2024
Responding to calls to intervene, DIRCO’s head of public diplomacy Clayson Monyela said the consular assistance offered by embassies was non-financial, hindering them to assist in this case.
“In her own words: She took a bank loan and needs to pay before the travel ban imposed can be lifted. She lost her job before she could pay it off. That’s the help she needs. Consular assistance offered by embassies is non-financial. This is a standard consular policy of all governments,” Monyela said.
In her own words: She took a bank loan and needs to pay before the travel ban imposed can be lifted. She lost her job before she could pay it off. That’s the help she needs. Consular assistance offered by embassies is non financial. This is a standard consular policy of all… https://t.co/G7ZXaFlUIJ
— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) December 20, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
