Dirco unable to help SA woman stranded in UAE due to travel ban imposed by bank

The department of international relations and co-operation (Dirco) says it cannot help a South African woman stuck in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to a travel ban imposed by a bank she owes money to. A video was posted on social media of Bongile Mpande pleading for help to return home.In the video, Mpande, who had been living in the UAE for six years, said she had lost her job earlier this year and was unable to repay her loan, resulting in the cancellation of her residence visa and a travel ban by the bank.“I’m sitting here without proper housing. I’ve been to immigration,…