The families of two South African teachers who went missing in Vietnam have remained positive amid growing concerns after weeks of no new developments in their search.

28-year-old Mushfiq Daniels and 22-year-old John Bothma, are two South Africans who, like many, migrated to the Southeast Asian country to pursue a career in teaching English.

However, not too long after they settled in, reports surfaced that the two teachers have fallen off the face of the earth.

How did the South African teachers go missing in Vietnam?

The last time John Bothma was seen alive

According to an IOL News report, Bothma was the first to be reported missing. It is believed that he was last seen alive on Friday, 17 May, checking out of the Saigon Hub Hostel.

Santjie Dixon, who is the 22-year-old’s longtime caregiver, stated that the last time he made contact was on that Friday morning.

“I was the last person he tried to call at around 8:00. When I called him back his phone was off,” Dixon said.

Bothma’s caregiver also noted that there is reason to believe that the 22-year-old’s passport was found in his room.

This was strange, Dixon said, since he was scheduled to fly back to South Africa for a visit on Saturday, 1 June, and it was something he was looking forward to.

The trail into Bothma’s disappearance has since gone cold.

What happened to Mushfiq Daniels?

The missing person case involving Bothma and Daniels may bear similarities but they have not yet been linked by authorities. Daniels, like Bothma, went to Vietnam to pursue a career in teaching.

However, a little over a year into his new life in Phu Nuan, Ho Chi Minh City, the 28-year-old has gone missing. His mother, Faheema Daniels, two brothers and a close relative, Imaad Isaacs, made their way to the Southeast Asian country after they last heard from Daniels on Friday, 5 July.

His family reported Daniels missing at the South African Embassy and an investigation, in collaboration with local authorities has been launched.

“Right now we are searching [in] Ho Chi Minh City. We will likely get an update from the embassy in the morning. We are keeping strong, keeping faith,” his mother said.

While no new information has surfaced on his whereabouts, his family has not given up. A Facebook page titled “Find Mushfiq – Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)” has been launched for anyone with helpful information on his whereabouts to get in touch with his family.

What has Dirco done to assist the families?

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has not, at this time, released any official statement regarding the missing South African teachers.

In cases like these, Dirco would be expected to work in hand with the South African embassy in Vietnam to fast-track recovery efforts and provide assistance to the searching families.

This is an ongoing investigation and more updates will be provided once more information trickles in.