by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG – ONLY recently, the South African government secured the repatriation of some 17 compatriots that had been stuck in Russia after their recruitment to participate in the war against Ukraine.
The group consisted of men who were recruited under false pretenses in August 2025, promised training as bodyguards, but were instead sent to the frontlines in the Donbas region.
Now, the administration faces an arduous task evacuating its nationals trapped in the Middle East region where conflict has reached arguably an all-time high after the weekend onslaught on Iran by Israel and the United States.
This past weekend, Eva Modika, the prominent South African entertainment personality, appealed for the intervention of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to evacuate South African, including her, stuck in the Gulf region.
She was in Dubai for a DJ gig but the event was cancelled because of the war, and the airspace shut.
“I am therefore appealing to the President of the Republic of South Africa and DICRO authorities to urgently intervene and assist South African citizens who are affected and currently in the (Gulf) region,” Modika appealed.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), of which Dubai is the most populous city and a prominent emirate, is the victim of reprisal attacks carried out by Iran against Middle East nations that host US bases, facilities and assets.
Coincidentally, while South Africa maintains its foreign policy is anchored on non-alignment, in reality, the country’s stance seems leaning towards Iran, a new fellow member of BRICS+, an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, plus Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, UAE and Indonesia.
It is such relations that has exacerbated the ongoing diplomatic fallout between South Africa and the US.
Ramaphosa said the escalating tensions in the Middle East developments posed a serious threat to regional and international peace and security, with far-reaching humanitarian, diplomatic and economic consequences.
He called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to act in a manner consistent with international law, international humanitarian law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
“As a nation that has emerged from conflict through dialogue and reconciliation, South Africa remains steadfast in its belief that peace is not only possible, but imperative for the shared future of the Middle East and the world,” Ramaphosa said.
His government has urged its nationals in the Middle East to register with their embassies and make their whereabouts known.
South Africans in that region are encouraged to assess their safety and act accordingly.
Across Africa, governments are monitoring the situation closely.
Zambia has issued a travel and security advisory for its nationals residing in or visiting the Gulf region.
It advised them to stay indoors and avoid travel near military installations or government infrastructure.
They must avoid non-essential travel.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the protection and welfare of all Zambian citizens abroad and will continue to provide updates as the situation unfolds,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, stated.
Malawi issued a similar advisory.
The African Union (AU) condemned the missile and drone attacks carried out by Iran against the sovereign territories of Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE.
“These actions constitute a clear violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity and risk further destabilising the Middle East at a time when restraint is urgently required,” Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, AU Commission chairperson, stated.
Major airlines in the continent are grounded following the shutdown of the airspace in the Middle East.
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa, had at the time of this publication cancelled flights to Amman (Jordan), Beirut (Lebanon), Dammam (Saudi Arabia) and Tel Aviv (Israel).
“We continue to actively monitor developments and will take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and convenience of our passengers and crew,” the airline stated.
Former Zimbabwe cabinet minister, Saviour Kasukuwere, believes the war in the Middle East and the insecurity surrounding that region should be a “wakeup call” to Africa.
“We should seize the opportunity and refine our investment and development strategy to attract capital into Africa. Dubai airspace closure is an opportunity for Ethiopia (Airlines) and others,” he said.
– CAJ News
