Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela and activist, has reportedly been detained by Israeli forces after they intercepted a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza in the early hours of Thursday. The flotilla is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a civilian-led initiative delivering aid to Palestinians.
Mandela had prerecorded a message in anticipation of such an event. “I’m a citizen of the Republic of South Africa. If you are receiving this video, it means we have been intercepted and abducted by the state of apartheid Israel,” he said. He appealed to the South African government to act swiftly for his release.
The South African contingent of the flotilla condemned Israel’s actions, calling the interception a deliberate attempt to block humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Delegates aboard the vessels, which included South African civilians, reportedly faced drone and water cannon attacks before being detained.
In a statement, the Global Sumud Flotilla (GDF) confirmed the ambush, emphasizing that the flotilla’s mission was strictly humanitarian and peaceful. “These actions represent another attempt to silence solidarity and prevent even the smallest lifeline of relief from reaching Gaza. This is illegal under international law,” the organization said.
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The GDF highlighted the flotilla’s objectives: to draw attention to the dire conditions faced by Palestinians and to provide essential aid. “Gaza remains under siege, not only through walls and checkpoints but also by warships, drones, and isolationist policies,” the statement noted.
The organization urged the South African government to intervene immediately to secure the safe return of its citizens. They demanded the “immediate and unconditional release of all delegates, full access to legal representation, and for Israel to respect international laws governing the protection of civilians and humanitarian missions.”
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) reaffirmed its call for restraint. Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri emphasized that “the safety, security, and physical integrity of all unarmed participants aboard the Flotilla, including South African citizens, are of paramount importance.”
Phiri also reiterated the flotilla’s peaceful and humanitarian purpose. “It must be underscored that this is a civilian-led initiative aimed at highlighting the severe and urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people in Gaza,” he said.
Other South Africans aboard the mission include Fatima Hendricks, Zaheera Soomar, Zukisa Wanner, Reaaz Moola, Bashera Soomar, and Carolyn Shelver.
Support for Mandela has poured in from across the country. Former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi praised his courage, saying: “Mandla Mandela! Selfless, brave soul. You make us eternally proud, Madiba. Strength to the Sumud Flotilla. Free Palestine.”
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