KNYSNA NEWS - What happens when an Austrian and a German visit South Africa on holiday in March? They get stuck for five months (and counting) because of a worldwide pandemic that prohibits any travel in and out of the country.
Karsten Dittrich (from Frankfurt, Germany) and Oswald Vit (from Vienna, Austria) travelled to Knysna in middle and early March respectively, with the hope of spending some time on holiday.
Karsten's plans would have kept him in Knysna for three months only, while Oswald, who came to check up on his South African business, VIP Golf & Accommodation, was not planning to stay longer than a month.
But not long after they arrived, the nationwide lockdown was implemented, and along with it travel restrictions that prohibited international travel to or from South Africa, a measure that is still in force.
Luckily for them, all visas issued for travel were extended, first until 31 July, and most recently until 31 October, according to Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi's spokesperson Siya Qoza.
However, even though the two Europeans have been stuck in Knysna, they refuse to let the bleak situation get the better of them. "We love it here. The people are so nice, and friendly, and everybody has been very welcoming of us," said Karsten.
Oswald Vit and Karsten Dittrich laden in Lederhosen with their placards at the Knysna Waterfront.
Taking a humorous approach to their predicament, the two made up placards, donned their lederhosen (leather trousers) and on 13 July stood on the sidewalks of the N2 in Knysna to give people a bit of a chuckle.
"People would drive past, see us, read the signs, and just start laughing," Karsten chuckled. Oswald recalled how a couple from Wilderness even turned around after driving past and offered them a place to stay. "They were really so nice, and willing to help us in any way they could."
With both being homeowners in Pezula Private Estate, Karsten and Oswald, who had met a few times in the past, have become close friends in the five months spent in Knysna. They have also thoroughly enjoyed the food, and the alcohol they've been able to get their hands on.
"Sure, we might have slightly better beer, but South Africa's wine is just amazing," Karsten said. "And we are wine drinkers, so that has been really lovely," Oswald explained.
Karsten works in the IT sector and has been able to do most of his work remotely, and Oswald is using the time to take care of his one SA company while also overseeing his five other companies in Austria.
"The biggest problem for us is the uncertainty. We do not know when we can return home, and that is what is really bothering us," Oswald said. "It could be tomorrow, next week, or next month, but nobody can tell us anything because nobody knows. I've missed my son's wedding because I'm here. We have family we want to see and, of course, businesses to take care of."
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
