SIX South African activists detained by Israeli naval forces last week have arrived back home. They landed at the OR Tambo Airport after departing from Jordan on Tuesday.
Among those returned home is Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, who was held at Negev Prison in southern Israel along with author Zukiswa Wanner, activist Reaaz Moolla, and three other South Africans after Israeli Defense Forces intercepted their aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
The group was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla—more than 450 activists from 14 countries, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg—attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to the besieged Palestinian territory. Israeli naval forces stopped the vessels in the Mediterranean Sea last weekend.
The arrival of the six follows days of intense diplomatic pressure from Pretoria, including personal intervention by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who called for the immediate release of what South African officials termed “abductees.”
A DIRCO specialist team visited the detainees at Negev Prison over the weekend, confirming they were in good health and high spirits. The six South Africans—Mandela, Wanner, Moolla, Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks, and Carrie Shelver—had been held since Israeli forces diverted their vessels to Ashdod port for questioning.
Israeli authorities maintain the maritime blockade of Gaza is essential for security, aimed at preventing weapons smuggling to Hamas. Officials described the flotilla’s attempt to reach Gaza as an illegal breach of the embargo.
South Africa has condemned the detentions, emphasizing the activists’ humanitarian mission as Gaza faces severe shortages amid ongoing conflict. The country has emerged as one of Israel’s most vocal critics, aligning with nations pushing for eased restrictions on the Palestinian enclave.
Israeli authorities have already deported 137 detained activists to Turkey, with deportations continuing for remaining participants from the 14-nation flotilla.
The incident has reignited international debate over the legality of Gaza’s blockade and access to humanitarian aid in the territory, where Israeli bombardment has killed dozens in recent days amid fierce fighting.
DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the government remains “committed to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad.
