Recent terrorism attacks in Mumbai India were a reminder that intelligence agencies needed to "be on guard", President Kgalema Motlanthe said on Friday.

At a speech prepared for delivery at a closed awards ceremony at the National Intelligence Agency, Motlanthe said the world was shocked by media reports and images of terrorism in Mumbai.

"These and other events remind us that terrorism is real and that our intelligence agencies need to be on their guard if we are to rid ourselves of this scourge."

He said on behalf of all South Africans he had sent heartfelt condolences to the people and government of India and those affected by the terrible events.

Agencies have reported that 143 people have died in city-wide attacks by militants this week, of which at least eight were tourists.

Earlier on Friday the foreign affairs department thanked Indian law enforcement authorities in getting seven SA Airways crew members out of Mumbai's besieged Oberoi Hotel.

"Minister [Nkosazana] Dlamini-Zuma expressed the gratitude of the South African government to the Indian authorities for the professional manner in which the ordeal of the seven crew members was handled," said Ronnie Mamoepa, her spokesman.

They had helped transport them from the hotel safely after their ordeal.

The crew would be taken to the South African consulate in Mumbai ahead of plans to get them back home as soon as possible.

The crew had expressed their gratitude to the South African diplomatic corps and consular officers for the support they received, Mamoepa said.

It has been reported that Indian commandos killed two gunmen inside the hotel on Friday and in taking control of the building found 24 bodies.

Sapa