Johannesburg -
Rhodes University student and AU youth ambassador Malaika wa Azania was expected to land in the country on Friday.
Wa Azania was detained on arrival at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, Morocco, on Tuesday because she did not have a visa, officials said.
Clayson Monyela, spokesman for South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco), confirmed on Thursday that Wa Azania would board a 10pm return flight from Morocco via Dubai.
Wa Azania’s mother Dipuo Mahlatsi confirmed the news, saying she was still waiting for Dirco to provide her with more information regarding the matter.
The 22-year-old confirmed that she had arrived in Morocco without a visa.
She left South Africa on Sunday night to Dubai using an invitation letter and UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and Dirco visa letter.
Wa Azania said she had received an invitation to attend the Fourth Annual Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa in Morocco’s city of Marrakesh.
She said the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the AU Commission and the African Development Bank organised the conference.
She was attending in her capacity as an African Youth Initiative on Climate Change representative from South Africa.
“UNECA requested that we get visas in our countries if possible, which I couldn’t do. Firstly, because the embassy is in Pretoria and I’m based in Grahamstown (a matter I communicated with UNECA, which they understood). And secondly, because to get a visa you need documents such as flight tickets, accommodation details, invitation letter etc,” she said in an email.
While many supported her, some mocked Wa Azania on Twitter for her tardiness. @abutirams wrote: “Activism doesn’t require fame. #FreeMalaika”
Another, @thobeka_xaba said: “U will never hear of an international being detained in South Africa becos of not having a visa. or possessing an expired visa.”
Wa Azania said she wanted to be deported back to South Africa.
The Star