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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, has noted with great dismay South Africans who are trapped in the war-torn region of the Donbas in Ukraine.
 
He said the priority should be to save them as speedily as possible. “We are calling for full diplomatic support and assistance for them; questions and doubts can be raised once South Africans return home,” Mr Mahumapelo said.

Media reports indicate that about 17 South African men were stranded in the Donbas region, Ukraine. It is still unclear for now if they are involved in the ongoing war since the winter of 2022.

Mr Mahumapelo said it was preferable if South Africans did not get themselves in these situations as the country’s foreign policy determines that we are non-aligned on matters of conflict and that we denounce any means of conflict resolution other than negotiations.

He said: “The committee appreciates the timeous intervention of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in these situations and it has been doing well over the years. Even now we trust that the department will do what it is expected to do.”

Mr Mahumapelo reminded South Africans of registration program for South Africans abroad, and said it is important when travelling to register on Rosahelp@dirco.gov.za or via the DIRCO’s travel smart app. “Our country owes its commitment first to its citizens, and there shall be no South African who gets stranded where DIRCO could possibly help.”

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo