An Anzac Day most us will likely never forget was an especially memorable one for 95-year-old Jagat Singh.
The World War II veteran reached New Zealand just in time, arriving from India at 11:30pm last night.
He was one of more than 300 people able to leave New Delhi on a repatriation flight.
Touching down just before midnight was a plane full of relieved Kiwis.
The oldest passenger, Jagat Singh, made it home in time for Anzac Day after serving in World War II with both the British and Indian air forces.
He'd travelled to Punjab with his son in January, believing at his age it was the last chance to see his sister. But their flight home was cancelled when India went into lockdown.
That was a month ago, now both are ecstatic to be home.
"It was just an indescribable feeling, feeling of content, and we are home," son Kharag Singh says.
But for the hundreds of Kiwis stuck in South Africa, there's frustration no Government flight has been organised for them.
"My daughter just had a baby, and it's like, when are we getting back to New Zealand?" Cheryl Van Niekerk asks.
There is one private charter being organised but those behind it say our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) won't issue permission slips so Kiwis can safely get to Johannesburg airport during lockdown.
"They've come back and they've just said no they won't do it, and the reason, they say, is because it's not a government-initiated flight," says charter flight organiser Arno Nel.
"Our request has been clear: we're not saying endorse us, we are saying just ask the South African government to allow people to travel to the airport."
MFAT didn't respond to a request for comment. The charter flight leaves in a week.
