EVA Modika is among the South Africans stranded in Dubai after her dream birthday trip took an unexpected turn.
Mzansi socialite and reality TV personality Eva Modika says her glamorous birthday celebration in Dubai has turned into a nightmare.
Escalating tensions in the Middle East have left her, along with other South Africans, stranded and out of pocket.
Eva, who was booked in the United Arab Emirates as a DJ and reality TV personality, revealed that her trip had been severely disrupted amid rising hostilities involving Iran and the United States.
In a statement, she said what was supposed to be a celebratory birthday trip combined with professional commitments has now become "a distressing and deeply challenging situation."
"The escalating tensions between Iran and the United States have begun affecting parts of the Middle East, including Doha, Dubai and surrounding areas within the UAE. These developments have had a direct impact on tourists and professionals like myself who are currently in Dubai for work purposes," she said.
According to Eva, events have been disrupted, and flights suspended, leaving her unable to return home.
"As a result, I have suffered financial losses amounting to approximately R250 000."
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She has now appealed directly to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) to intervene.
"I am therefore appealing to the President of the Republic of South Africa and Dirco authorities to urgently intervene and assist South African citizens who are affected and currently in the region. We respectfully request guidance, support, and possible evacuation measures to ensure our safe return home."
However, South Africa's head of public diplomacy at Dirco, Clayson Monyela, responded on X, saying the situation is complex.
"Airspaces are closed. It's impossible to move in or out of those countries. We are in touch with South Africans using various comms platforms. Our systems do work," he wrote.
Monyela added that every country's diplomatic mission has evacuation plans in place and that "various interventions and options are being explored."
A post shared by Monyela on X provided emergency numbers for South African nationals in the Middle East. He said: "Those that have registered with our embassies have been contacted directly (for the record...even prior to the attacks. We did advise those on our databases to get out). Share these numbers & help us reach everyone."
For now, Eva and other South Africans in the region remain in limbo while authorities assess possible solutions.
Meangile, South African media personality and award-winning journalist Siphiwo Nzawumbi, popularly known as "Spitch" and a former Umhlobo Wenene FM host, is among South Africans currently trapped in the Middle East amid escalating tensions.
Nzawumbi sparked panic on social media when he posted a desperate plea.
"Can the South African media reach out. We are under attack. Another missile," he wrote.
His message immediately raised alarm among followers and colleagues back home. He later issued an update, reassuring everyone that he is now safe.
TikToker Rushna Journey also shared a chilling video showing thick smoke billowing from what appeared to be a residential building near her location.
Sounding visibly shaken, she said: "Guys, just outside our window, just outside the building - look at the billowing smoke, the flames. I'm gonna turn the camera around. What happened? OK, that's a residential building. I'm scared."
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep concern over rising tensions in the Middle East, warning that the escalating situation could threaten both regional and global stability.
Meanwhile, several international flights to and from South Africa have been suspended as the world's busiest airport has shut down.
All operations are suspended at Dubai International Airport as the US and Israel exchange airstrikes with Iran.
