Port Elizabeth – The Department of International Relations has no knowledge of two South Africans who were reportedly killed while fighting in Syria.
In recent weeks, two young men from Port Elizabeth have reportedly been killed in the Syria conflict. The African News Agency (ANA) contacted the father of one of the Port Elizabeth men who is believed to have died, but he refused to speak to the media.
Dirco spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, said that nothing had been reported to the department.
"If they don't inform us, there's no way of knowing. The people who inform us and find themselves in a situation of distress could receive government assistance," said Monyela.
Meanwhile, social cohesion activist, Yusuf Abramjee, called on locals not to travel to Syria and other other conflict regions to join in the wars.
Abramjee was addressing over 200 women at a ladies fundraising breakfast in Port Elizabeth over the weekend.
He said news emerged last week that young men from South Africa had been killed in the Syria conflict.
They had apparently joined rebel groups.
"We, as South Africans, have no business to go and fight abroad. Our laws prohibit it also. I am happy many Muslim leaders agree it is not 'Jihad'," said Abramjee.
He called on South African youth not to be indoctrinated. "Let's rather focus our energies and efforts on humanitarian needs and make a difference by assisting the victims of the war."
Abramjee said the #SAveSyria initiative by #OperationSA had raised almost R14 million in just under two months and donations were distributed to seven charities.
Abramjee said the Syrian regime had to be also strongly condemned for the killing of innocent civilians.
"They are murderers and our government must take a stand and condemn them."
"Killing innocent people, be it by the Syrian regime, ISIS or any other group is unacceptable. We must all say no to violence," Abramjee added.