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An urgent situation involving a young South African artist stranded in Guangzhou, China, has been brought to our attention, raising serious concerns about his immediate safety, accommodation, and ability to return home.
Austin Hendricks, an emerging artist from Nelson Mandela Bay, travelled to China after being offered what was presented as a three-month opportunity. Upon arrival, promised documentation and contractual arrangements failed to materialise.
He has since been informed by hotel management that he must vacate his accommodation, while efforts to contact the liaison and agency involved have been unsuccessful. With no local support and no funds to secure alternative accommodation or return travel, he faces the very real risk of being left on the street in a foreign country.
The Democratic Alliance has acted swiftly to address this matter with the urgency it requires, ensuring his safe departure and return to South Africa, with arrangements now focused on securing immediate travel from China.
In parallel, as mayoral candidate, I have been able to mobilise financial assistance to cover the costs associated return travel so that Austin can return safely. Support has been confirmed from party structures, and additional assistance has been coordinated to ensure that Hendricks can return home without further delay.
This intervention is about safeguarding a young person who pursued an opportunity in good faith and now finds himself exposed and vulnerable far from home. Ensuring his safety, dignity, and return is the immediate priority, and every reasonable step is being taken to achieve that outcome.
This incident serves as a caution to individuals, particularly young artists, to exercise due diligence when accepting overseas opportunities, including verifying contracts, accommodation arrangements, and return travel before departure. Families are encouraged to seek independent confirmation and professional advice where possible to avoid similar situations.
We will also be lodging a formal complaint with the appropriate authorities against the company involved to ensure that the circumstances surrounding this matter are thoroughly investigated.
The Democratic Alliance remains committed to leadership that acts decisively when residents of Nelson Mandela Bay are in distress, whether at home or abroad. The people of this city deserve leadership that responds with compassion, accountability, and practical action when it matters most.