The terror attacks in Mumbai, India, are a reminder that intelligence agencies needs to "be on guard", South African President Kgalema Motlanthe said on Friday.

In a speech 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.

About 143 people were killed in the city-wide attacks by militants days ago, of which at least eight were tourists.

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

"Minister 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, the spokesman for the foreign minister.