The Department of International Relations and Cooperation says the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is affecting its ability to communicate with South African citizens in the region.
The department has warned that some emergency contact numbers may go unanswered as officials are working remotely and experiencing the same disruptions faced by residents across the affected areas.
DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela has urged South Africans in the region to register on the department’s Travel Smart app to assist officials in tracking and assisting citizens if evacuation opportunities become available.
“The app allows you to register with us. We capture information such as contact numbers and your location so that when the situation improves and there are available ways to get people out, we are able to contact you and assist you to return to South Africa or travel to another destination of your choice,” Monyela said.
He also encouraged South Africans currently in the region to make use of any available commercial flights if they wish to return home, as travel options may remain limited while the conflict continues.