South Africans who were airlifted from Wuhan in China have completed their 14 days of quarantine in Limpopo and tested negative for COVID-19.
President Cyril Ramaphosa bid farewell on Sunday to more than 100 people who stayed under quarantine at The Ranch resort, 250km from Johannesburg.
He said government took extra precautions and quarantined them for a 14-day period although they all did not show any symptoms.
President Ramaphosa thanked the army and South African Airways crew that executed the mission.
"If there ever was a true representation of Thuma Mina (send me), you're all a true representation. I can't think of a single moment when Thuma Mina was truly represented in practical effect than what you did. Thank you for agreeing to be sent," he said.
The South African leader added it was heartening to see the team agree to go into a dangerous mission.
Wuhan, the sprawling capital of Central China's Hubei province, is where the deadly virus began in December.
"You stepped forward and said we are the ones who want to be sent. You were being sent on a dangerous mission. You were going into unknown territory where we knew people had contracted Coronavirus. You went into the epicenter of the Coronavirus," he added.
On arrival, medical screening and Covid-19 tests were conducted. They all came out negative.
"We are very pleased to report to South Africans that these citizens conducted their second test in preparation for their exit," health minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said.
Dr Mkhize thanked The Ranch and its workers who were prepared to accommodate those in quarantine "despite this pandemic being taboo in our country at the time. They have done a sterling job in making our people feel welcome back at home."