The group was to be quarantined for 14 days on arrival, but were left in minibuses with their belongings on the tarmac at Oliver Tambo International Airport, according to the reports.

South Africa pro-surfer Jordy Smith and his wife are among those stranded.

He told journalists at the airport that they had not been given any information on where they are to be taken:

Matthew Kalil told News24 news website that: "There's no one from the government here, no-one from the department of health".

He said airport staff had allowed them to use toilet facilities.

A spokesperson of the ministry of public works is quoted as saying they are aware of the situation and that there were reasons for it.

South Africa began easing coronavirus restrictions on Monday after five weeks of lockdown.