Eva Modika Appeals to Ramaphosa for Assistance Amid Dubai Predicament

• On Saturday, 28 February 2026, Eva Modika announced via her official Instagram account that she is currently stranded in Dubai
• She directly appealed to President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for assistance in her return
• This appeal generated discussions online, with some users criticizing her request for government intervention

Modika’s request comes at a time when the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed a temporary partial closure of its airspace, following escalating tensions due to a recent military operation in Iran initiated by the United States and Israel.

What brought Eva Modika to Dubai?

In her statement released on Saturday, 28 February 2026, Eva Modika mentioned that her trip to Dubai was intended for her birthday celebration as well as professional engagements.

She indicated facing significant financial setbacks, with losses amounting to a quarter of a million Rand, after her planned performances were canceled due to the increased hostilities in the Middle East. She stated:

“I was booked in Dubai as a DJ and reality TV personality. Due to the current circumstances, events have been disrupted, and all flights have been suspended. As a result, I have suffered financial losses amounting to approximately R250,000.”

Eva Modika’s appeal to President Ramaphosa

Modika urged President Ramaphosa and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to help her and other South Africans stranded in Dubai.

“I am therefore appealing to the President of the Republic of South Africa and the 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,” she added.

Popular blogger MDNNews reposted Eva Modika’s statement on X (Twitter).

Read Eva Modika’s full statement here:

Public reaction to Eva Modika’s situation

Responses on social media were mixed, with some users criticizing Modika’s actions, while others expressed discontent towards President Ramaphosa for not issuing earlier warnings to South Africans in Dubai amidst rising tensions, alongside various suggestions for her situation.

Highlighted comments include:

@Annihilator_rsa remarked:

“It’s not easy to evacuate South Africans from Dubai now that it’s been bombed and flights have been suspended. I think Ramaphosa should have warned South Africans in Dubai way before Iran’s strike or when other countries were warning their citizens to return.”

@TheDeveloperess questioned:

“That’s what travel insurance is for. These countries don’t allow you in without, so why are we writing to the president instead of your insurer? Or did she sneak in without it?”

@TS_Mbongwa asked:

“Did she report to President Cyril Ramaphosa before leaving for Dubai?”

@pecson007 commented:

“If airspace is closed, there is nothing the government can do except to see if she’s in a safe place.”