Johannesburg - International Relations Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim will travel to Yemen to consult with its government and other interested parties on the kidnapping of South African Pierre Korkie, his department said on Friday.
Spokesman Nelson Kgwete said Ebrahim was scheduled to leave for Yemen on Saturday.
Korkie's kidnappers have given his family until Friday to pay a ransom of about R32.5m in exchange for his safe return.
“It is hoped that the visit by deputy minister Ebrahim to Yemen will result in Mr Korkie being released unharmed and as soon as possible,” Kgwete said in a statement.
“The South African government takes interest in the well-being and security of its citizens, including when they are in distress or danger in foreign countries,” he said. - Sapa