The DA extends its deepest sympathy to the families and friends of eight South Africans killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul this morning.

We strongly condemn this terrorist attack and the violent protests that have preceded it. The perpetrators of such hateful crimes have no regard for the sanctity of human life - either their own or that of the innocent victims they take with them.

The Minister of International Relations, Maite Nkoana Mashabane, must condemn the violence vociferously and unequivocally. We call on her to use every platform at her disposal to advocate for the strengthening of democratic institutions in Afghanistan.

I have today written to the Minister to ensure that the Department of International Relations and Co-operation is offering the families of the victims the required consular support. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.

Ian Davidson, Shadow Minister of International Relations and Cooperation