Ramaphosa
Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa has voiced strong support for the government’s decision to allow 153 Palestinians into South Africa after they were stuck at OR Tambo International Airport for 13 hours due to paperwork issues. The group, fleeing the ongoing war in Gaza, arrived on Thursday but faced delays while officials checked their documents. Home Affairs has now granted them 90-day temporary refugee status, making an exception because of their tough situation. Ramaphosa said this shows South Africa’s caring side for people in need from a place hit hard by conflict. This move fits with the country’s long stand for Palestine, like taking Israel to court over bad acts in Gaza. As the refugees start their new life here, many hope it leads to lasting safety and a chance to rebuild away from the fighting that has killed thousands and left millions without homes.
The Long Wait at OR Tambo: What Happened
The Palestinians landed around 08:15 on a charter flight from Kenya. They came looking for safety from the war in Gaza, but immigration checks hit a snag right away. Their passports did not have the usual stamps showing they left their home legally, and they could not say right away how long they would stay or where they would live. This led to them being kept on the plane for 13 hours while officials sorted things out.
The missing stamps are a common problem for people leaving Gaza because of the tight controls and chaos from the fighting. Without them, entry was not allowed at first. The group also did not say they wanted asylum straight away, so they did not pass the first test. This wait was tough, especially after their long trip from a place with no safe spots.
Government’s Quick Fix and Ramaphosa’s Support
Home Affairs worked fast to fix the issue after getting help from a humanitarian group that promised to look after the refugees. The ministry waived the stamp rule because of the special case, letting the group in. They now have 90 days to apply for longer stays or asylum.
President Ramaphosa backed this choice, saying it came from feeling for their hard spot. He stressed South Africa’s duty to help those running from war, tying it to the country’s past of fighting unfairness. This fits with actions like sending aid to Gaza and speaking out at world meetings.
The Border Management Authority said Palestinians can visit for 90 days without a visa, so once the rule was bent, they were treated like normal visitors. This shows how South Africa makes room for people in real need, even with strict border rules.
The Group: Fleeing War and Looking for Hope
The 153 people are mostly families from Gaza, where the fighting since October 2023 has killed over 40,000 and left 2 million without homes. Many have lost loved ones and seen their lives destroyed by bombs and shortages. They came to South Africa for a safe place to start over, hoping to apply for refugee status.
After the delay, 23 went to other places, and 130 stayed. They are now getting help with medical check-ups, places to live, and legal steps. Applying for asylum means telling their stories to Home Affairs, which can take months because of many waiting cases.
South Africa has rules for refugees that let people from war zones ask for safety. If approved, they can work, study, and live here. This group adds to over 250,000 refugees in the country from places like Somalia and Congo.
South Africa’s Stand for Palestine
South Africa has been a big friend to Palestine, taking Israel to the International Court of Justice for bad acts in Gaza and backing calls for arrest warrants. The country has also pushed for boycotts against Israel. Helping these refugees fits with that, showing action beyond words.
The government has helped in other ways, like sending doctors and supplies to Gaza. For these people, the 90-day stay gives time to
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 119 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Jacob Zuma Welcomes Tony Yengeni to MK Party as Second Deputy President in Major Leadership Shake-Up🔴
Read more⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://centralnews.co.za/central-news-weekly-edition-issue-116-download-the-latest-print-and-e-edition-headline-jacob-zuma-welcomes-tonyyengeni-to-mk-party-as-second-deputy-president-in-major-leadership-shake-up/
Read all our publications on magzter:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube