Rescue South Africa return home from Japan

On the 28th March, 45 members of Rescue South Africa arrived at OR Tambo International Airport, after they finished their 9-day task in Japan.

More than 100 people welcomed the rescue team on their arrival at the airport with flags of both countries and welcome banners. Mr. Sisa Ngombane, South Africa’s deputy director-general for Asia and the Middle East, and Mr. Toshiro Ozawa, Japanese Ambassador, together with members of the Japanese community, family of the rescue team and media were present to welcome the team and to express their gratitude. The rescue team received a heroes’ welcome and in the jubilation, they sang the South African National Anthem.

Members of Rescue South Africa, Mr. Sisa Ngombane, South Africa’s deputy director-general for Asia and the Middle East (second from left),
Ambassador Ozawa (third from left) and Mr. Kitagawa (third from right)
 

Upon the teams’ arrival, Ambassador Ozawa expressed his gratitude for all their hard work in assisting the Japanese people under the difficult conditions. Ambassador also mentioned that Rescue South Africa’s mission has become a symbol of friendship and solidarity between the peoples of South Africa and Japan. Mr. Kitagawa, the first secretary at the Embassy joined the rescue team as a liaison officer. Mrs. Kitagawa presented a bouquet of flowers to the CEO of Rescue South Africa Mr. Ian Scher.

Mr. Scher said that the Rescue South Africa team was very disciplined and worked well together with the Japanese authorities and tried always to be of assistance to them. The frigid cold that the team experienced was unexpected and this will be a lesson for future rescue activities. The team was very moved by the warmth and politeness of the people of Japan and the appreciation they showed for our work. Mr. Scher also said that the Team consisted of members of different races which makes it a worthy mission not only for Japan but also for South Africa to prove that we are a Rainbow Nation.