This, as expectations of a possible lockdown when President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation on Monday night are high, in light of the sharp rise in the number of Coronavirus cases to 402. 

Spokesperson for the group, James de Wet, applauds the Moroccan government for declaring a state of emergency early, effectively barring commercial flights into the country as of mid-March. They, however, plead with the South African government to finalise repatriation discussions soon, so that they can be with their loved ones. 

De Wet says the current conditions in Morocco, Casablanca in particular, are difficult. He includes issues such as older persons who are running out of chronic medication and the lack of accommodation due to the number of hotels closing down amidst the outbreak. De Wet also says food is running out. 

The government of the North African country has extended its travel ban to 20 April 2020.

Youssef Azzakani is amongst the stranded group in Morocco. Youssef’s wife Rajaa, who is based in Cape Town, tells OFM News her husband, who is insulin dependent, is okay for now, because he is fortunate enough to be with family. Youssef holds dual-citizenship in Morocco and South Africa and was visiting family at the time of the pandemic. She says when the first travel ban came into effect around mid-March they tried to push Youssef’s return date to 12 days earlier - 1 April 2020. However this weekend, the Moroccan government extended the travel ban to 20 April 2020 placing the family in a predicament. Rajaa is worried Ramaphosa could announce a lockdown when he addresses South Africans tonight, potentially making things even more difficult for the Azzakani family. She says she and the couple’s two children are eager to see Youssef returning home. 

While the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has informed media they are engaging with the Moroccan government on the repatriation,  Rajaa says the stranded citizens themselves haven’t heard anything. 

OFM News