Ten South Africans are among a tour group detained by the Chinese government on suspicion of association with a terror group or banned organisation.<\/p>\n
The detentions come as China is hosting Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and several government officials on a trade-related visit.<\/p>\n
While the Department of International Relations is trying to ascertain the circumstances\u201a Gift of the Givers says the group are being denied contact with their families\u201a even today – four days after their arrest.<\/p>\n
Among the South Africans being held are three relatives of Vodacom\u2019s CEO and two medical doctors\u201a according to the organisation.<\/p>\n
Gift of the Givers\u2019 Imtiaz Sooliman said in a statement the group had embarked on a tour to explore ancient China\u201a \u201ca planned 47-day journey for ten South Africans\u201a nine Britons and one Indian national\u201d.<\/p>\n
On Friday\u201a 10 July\u201a they were arrested at Erdos Airport\u201a Inner Mongolia\u201a at 9.40 am local time. \u201cIt was only on Sunday\u201a 48 hours later\u201a when the tour operator realised that something was amiss and made the trip to Erdos\u201a that the first information on the detained citizens came to light\u201a\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Sooliman said the Chinese had suggested some members of the group were \u201clinked to a terror group\u201a to a banned organisation\u201a to watching propaganda videos in their hotel room\u201d.<\/p>\n
A team from the South African Embassy and the British Embassy met with Chinese Foreign Ministry officials this morning.<\/p>\n
Sooliman said the Chinese have now agreed to release 11 out of the 20\u201a but they will remain in detention until flights can be found for them out of China. \u201cAt present 17 July is the earliest (date for a flight)\u201a\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe other nine are being held without charge at a detention centre on the accusation that they were watching propaganda videos.\u201d<\/p>\n
They are: 5 South Africans\u201a 3 Britons and 1 Indian national\u201a Sooliman said.<\/p>\n
Of the five South Africans\u201a three including a MK veteran\u201a are direct relatives of Shameel Aziz Joosub\u201a CEO of Vodacom.<\/p>\n
The detainees include Dr Feroz Suliman\u201a a general surgeon at Midrand\u2019s Waterfall Hospital\u201a and his wife\u201a Dr Shehnaaz Mohamed\u201a also a medical doctor.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe families thank the South African government for their unwavering support and call upon the Chinese government to release the detainees immediately\u201a\u201d Gift of the Givers said. \u201cThese individuals have no terror links (and) no criminal record.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ramaphosa\u2019s itinerary in China today includes bilateral political and economic discussions with Vice-President Li Yuan Chao\u201a followed by a meeting with Li Qiang the Premier of the State Council of the People\u2019s Republic of China ahead of \u201cinteracting with the Leadership of the Chinese Academy of Governance\u201d. He is also due to address a banquet in his honour later in the evening.<\/p>\n
The deputy president\u2019s office said the bilateral discussions are expected to focus on trade and investment cooperation\u201a financial cooperation including the BRICS New Development Bank\u201a infrastructure development\u201a energy issues\u201a vocational training and South Africa\u2019s co-hosting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)\u201a to be hosted later this year in South Africa.<\/p>\n
Deputy President Ramaphosa\u2019s delegation comprises Ministers Lynne Brown\u201a Blade Nzimande and Deputy Ministers Thembi Majola\u201a Mzwandile Masina\u201a Mcebisi Jonas\u201a senior government officials\u201a business leaders and state-owned enterprise executives\u201a according to his office.<\/p>\n
President Jacob Zuma paid a State Visit to China in December 2014.<\/p>\n
By RDM News Wire<\/em><\/p>\n Why more South Africans are leaving the country<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n South African beer prices vs the world<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nMore on South Africa<\/h3>\n