South African Update: Mumbai and Bangkok

Pretoria- The South African Consul-General in Mumbai, Busi Khuzwayo today, Tuesday 2 December has advised Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma that all South Africans who were thought to have been affected by the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai have all been located safe and sound.

In this regard, Minister Dlamini Zuma expressed her gratitude to the South African Consulate in Mumbai for the consular support provided to all South Africans who were in distress during this period.

Simultaneously, Minister Dlamini Zuma reiterates the call for all South Africans travelling abroad to register their presence with our Embassies and/or High Commissions during such visits to enable our diplomatic staff to be able to deal with any eventuality.

UPDATE THAILAND

Bangkok- South African Ambassador to Thailand Douglas Gibson and his team of diplomats in Bangkok continue to do everything in their power to assist South Africans who have advised the embassy of their plight in Bangkok following recent demonstrations at the local International Airport.

Of importance to note is that the Embassy can only be of help to those South Africans who have made contact with the embassy to advise it of their plight. In this regard, we appeal to South Africans who are indeed stranded to contact our Embassy in Thailand at + 6626592900 for assistance.

The Embassy has since the beginning of the demonstrations at the airport, been inundated daily with calls from stranded South African passengers, seeking the assistance of the Embassy and its consular staff. On the basis of such calls, the embassy compiles lists of such stranded passengers and follows up with the necessary advise, support and consular assistance.

The Embassy has been advising South African passengers to also approach Thai Airways for further assistance to regional destinations that will allow them to transit to South Africa. In addition, the Thai authorities have also been providing stranded passengers with accommodation and meals at designated hotels.

The Ambassador and members of the Consular staff will continue to provide the necessary support to South Africans in distress in Thailand until the end of the current demonstrations.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

2 December 2008