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STAFF REPORTER |
SOME South African students who fled Ukraine following Russia’s invasion say they are happy they managed to get home safely.
The students described the hardships and agony they had to endure when attempting to flee Ukraine, under siege from Russian forces.
The students say they spent long hours on the train without proper food.
Fourth-year medical student, Nkateko Blessing Muyimane said he did not think they would make it home, “Our trip home took five or six days. We were not able to sleep, but I’m really glad to be back home.”
“It was difficult for us to get proper food and water. In the trains, people were pushing each other because we were all trying to save our lives. I’m still overwhelmed, we didn’t think we will make it,” said Muyimane.
Muyimane further said that as a fourth-year medical student he will try to find schools locally to continue with his studies.
“Our school has deteriorated; we don’t know what’s going to happen to us. Our city is dire.”
Muyimane said that they travelled over eight hours to Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital,” the conditions in the train were terrible, but I’m glad my fellow students were able to get on the train. It was difficult to get into the train as we were fighting to get in and secure space.”
Another medical student Mandisa Sthabile Malindisa said that at some point she ended up sleeping on the street,
“I ended up sleeping on the street because I had no strength anymore.”
Amid the chaos, Malindisa said it was difficult to get help from the South African embassy in Ukraine.
“We did not receive clear evacuation guidance. We didn’t know where to go. However, we were later notified to go towards the borders and that was it,” said Malindisa.
In his weekly letter, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that he hopes that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine yield positive outcomes that pave the way for an end to the conflict.
“Even though the pace of negotiations may proceed slowly, there is progress nonetheless. Every effort of the international community should be oriented towards supporting these talks, and to bring the two
sides together,” said Ramaphosa.
The president said: “South Africa is greatly encouraged by the words of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres who said last week he would do everything in his power to contribute to an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent negotiations for peace.”
“We all call upon Russia and Ukraine to subject this conflict to mediation and do everything in their power to reach an agreement that will lead to the cessation of hostilities.”
“The peoples of Russia and Ukraine – two neighbours whose histories, peoples and fortunes are inextricably bound together – deserve a peace that is durable, sustainable and lasting,” he said.
– Inside Education