A group of South Africans from around the world have rallied together to help get fellow citizens safely out of Ukraine.
Global (27 February 2022) – Fred Rogers said that in times of tragedy we need to look for the helpers… well, these South Africans are stepping up and doing everything to get our fellow citizens in Ukraine to safety.
Russia’s invasion may spark the largest refugee crisis since World War II. More than 100,000 people have already fled Ukraine, escaping to neighbouring countries like Poland and Hungary, and European Relief and Aid organisations expect this number to increase up to 4 million.
The situation at the Ukraine borders is harrowing as hundreds and thousands of people are waiting to get out of the country, many originally from different parts of the world, including South Africa. The conditions at the borders are getting worse by the hour as more people arrive, hoping to leave. As the queues get longer basic supplies, food and medical provisions are dwindling.
Europe has, however, stepped up and is demonstrating that it can humanly and compassionately open the borders to everyone who is leaving the war zone. People who don’t have VISAs to the EU are being allowed safe passage, disaster relief tents are being set up, money is being donated, and European territories and even places as far as the UK, America and Canada are opening up their countries for refugees.
Watching the conflict unfold, especially knowing that some South African are stuck at the borders, can make us feel helpless, but a London based South African is working with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to help get our fellow citizens to safety.
Hayley Reichert has teamed up with Lorraine Blauw in the Netherlands and Kim Kur in Johannesburg to share valuable information and also physically help South Africans get out of both Russia and Ukraine to a place of safety.
Reichart says that if you are South African, you should not be waiting. You should evacuate through the various border posts as soon as possible. The passionate South African posted this video update on the South Africans Ukraine Crisis page about an hour ago: