The South African foreign ministry confirmed on Tuesday that one of the passengers aboard the missing Air France plane was a South African.

"All that we can confirm is that one of those on board was indeed a South African national," said foreign affairs spokeswoman Nomfanelo Kota.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time."

Kota said the family had requested the department of foreign affairs not to release his name to the media.

She said she could not confirm a report in The Star newspaper on Tuesday afternoon that the man was Erich Heine, 41, a father of three, who was sent to Brazil on business.

The Star newspaper said his family was still in Brazil.

Air France flight 447, carrying more than 200 passengers, disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean on Monday.

(Xinhua News Agency June 3, 2009)