Dirco investigating claims of Afrikaans quiz on Ryanair flights
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation
(Dirco) says it is investigating reports that travellers with South African
passports have been subjected to a spot test before being allowed to board the
Irish operator Ryanair’s flights.
This follows several media reports of passengers up in arms about the general knowledge quiz in Afrikaans.
It’s understood passengers travelling between to and from London in the UK were asked to complete the quiz, which includes naming any South African national holiday, the country’s president, and the national colours.
The quiz is only offered in Afrikaans and not any of South Africa’s other official languages.
According to reports, the move comes as a bid by the low-cost airline to prove nationality amid a spike in fraudulent documentation.
Dirco spokesperson Lunga Ngqengelele confirmed Dirco is looking into the claims.
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“We are aware as learnt from the media. We are investigating the matter through speaking to our UK counterparts.”
He added the department will consider a report into the incident before further addressing the matter.
“We hope to be able to say much when we have the report,” said Ngqengelele.
I see @Ryanair is happy to profile people entering Ireland racially to see if they are really South African. You need to fill out a form in Afrikaans to prove your citizenship. @DIRCO_ZA are you aware of this? @tumisole can you help get some answers?🤷🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/vzXWDpSy2j
— Gundo Mawela (@GundoMawela) June 2, 2022
