130 South African survivors of tsunami disaster return home

Around 130 South Africans, who survived the tsunami disaster in Thailand's holiday resort of Phuket, have returned home in two special planes.

They were welcomed by Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana-Dlamini Zuma, Home Affairs Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Aziz Pahad.

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While 65 people returned to Johannesburg, the rest went to Cape Town.

Foreign Affairs Department spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said the bodies of four South Africans, who were killed in the tragedy, had also been brought home on one of

the planes.

"Ten people were injured and they will be provided with the necessary assistance," he said, adding that another 20 South Africans were still missing.

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"All the survivors have lost their personal identity documents and will be assisted to obtain their documents by Tuesday next week," he said.

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