PRETORIA - Government has confirmed that a South African teacher's body has been recovered from the rubble following the Myanmar earthquake, Southeast of Asia.
Eleven other South Africans are safe and accounted for after the catastrophic natural disaster that took place last week Friday.
The first earthquake hit Myanmar and Thailand with a 7.7 magnitude, this was followed by a 6.4 magnitude quake further south of Mandalay and Sagaing.
READ: Myanmar to hold minute of silence for more than 2,000 quake dead
The death death toll is well over 3000 people and over 4500 were injured with millions more displaced.
Rescue and disaster teams continue their search as more people are believed to be still under the rubble as the quakes left a trail of destruction. Infrastructure, buildings have been destroyed while roads have been left with gaping sinkholes leaving the town in ruins.
Clayson Monyela from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the relatives of the deceased were made aware of the devastating news.
ENCA's reporter Zanele Buthelezi had spoken to a Durban family that has been crossing fingers for the safe return of their son who is also teaching English in Myanmar.
The 28-year-old, Cowan Titus teaching in Mandalay was reported missing after losing contact with his family following the two earthquakes.
READ: Myanmar Earthquake | 28-year-old Durban man still missing
Cowan's family is hopeful that he will be found alive as he is described as a strong individual. Samantha Titus, the mother says only a confirmation from authorities will give her peace or closure on her son's whereabouts.
"We are not giving up until we get some finalisation that my boy is coming home and he has been rescued. Because if he is not in the morgue, he is somewhere underneath the rubble and they need to find him,'" said Samantha.