Makida Kumalo, a South African living abroad has opened up her home to South African tourists stranded in Dubai.
Image: Instagram
“This is the worst time to be alone. We need to stand together.”
Those are the kind words of a South African good Samaritan who has bravely opened her home to South African tourists stranded in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Makida Kumalo, currently residing in Dubai, took to TikTok and shared a video offering her assistance to those in need of food and accommodation.
Kumalo’s offer comes after the United States and Israel led joint strikes on Iran over the weekend, resulting in Iran retaliating and launching attacks on its neighbours (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar), which grounded planes and escalated conflict in the region.
“There are so many South African tourists stranded right now in Dubai, and it’s expensive - very expensive. We need to stand together during this time.
“My heart goes out to all the tourists, especially the South African tourists who are now stranded in Dubai because Dubai is so expensive. When you plan a holiday, you budget strictly in terms of how long you’re going to be here for, the places you’re going to visit, etc.
"So, guys, if you have or know any South Africans in Dubai who are stranded, please reach out to me. I live in Dubai and I’m alone. My space is open to anyone who just needs shelter at this time,” said Kumalo.
She revealed that most places in the country were shut down, and at one point, they had run out of water and food. However, she managed to stock up at her local spaza shop.
Kumalo noted that close to six missiles hit on the day she recorded the video.
“What do you do in such situations? But please, guys, if you know any South Africans, I will literally drop my location, and we could all just house together. This is the worst time to be alone, especially when you don’t have any family or friends. It’s nerve-wracking. Please pray for us.”
Kumalo’s video quickly gained traction on social media, with netizens commending her for her spirit of ubuntu.
@mmagweone wrote: “I love my South African people; together we stand.”
@ndlovukazi926 said: “What a Queen! You truly embody royalty, wisdom and strength. In this time of uncertainty, you’ve opened your heart and home to fellow South Africans in Dubai. May your kindness be returned to you a hundredfold. Sending you divine protection and an overflow of love and peace… always.”
@bobo678gmail commented: “One thing that I like about being South African is that we have ubuntu; we are very generous, we love to help each other. Thank you, my sister, for your good heart. God bless you.”
@mr.d66206 said: “We are proud of you. Ubuntu lives in you. Your family has done well. Thank you for showing kindness and extending care.”
Media reports indicate that authorities in the UAE have covered food, accommodation and flights for stranded tourists in the wake of the ongoing conflict.
In a tweet on X, DIRCO’s deputy director general, Clayson Monyela, shared emergency numbers for South Africans currently in the Middle East.
He revealed that those registered with South African embassies were contacted directly even prior to the attacks.
“We did advise those on our databases to get out.”
He advised that South Africans travelling on holiday should register and stay in contact with the embassy to become part of a database.