Six South African activists, including Mandla Mandela, have returned home after being detained by Israeli authorities during a humanitarian mission to Gaza.
Speaking after his arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, Mandla described the group’s ordeal as a “blatant violation of international law” and said the experience had strengthened their commitment to the Palestinian cause.
“We were intercepted in international waters, which is a violation of maritime law,” Mandla said.
“We were handcuffed with cables tied tightly behind our backs, taken off our boats and put on the platform, paraded for all the Israelis and the allies in Europe and the West and the global community to see. But it’s nothing compared to what Palestinians have been subjected to on a daily basis. We were kidnapped on international waters. Palestinians are attacked, maimed, and killed.”
Mandla recounted that Israel’s National Security Minister confronted the group, shouting: “You support baby killers and call us terrorists!” He said they refused to sign documents claiming they had entered Israel illegally.
“The suffering of Palestinians today is worse than what we experienced under apartheid,” Mandla said. “The world must act to end this injustice.”
🎥 Mandla Mandela’s First Statement After Returning to South Africa 🇿🇦🇵🇸 In his first appearance since being released, Mandla Mandela, grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, spoke about his experience during detention after taking part in the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza, an… pic.twitter.com/eAEje7xgQZ
— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@Globalsumudf) October 8, 2025
The group — which included author Zukiswa Wanner, Dr Fatima Hendricks, Reaz Moola, Carrie Shelver and Zaheera Soomar — was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s blockade. The activists were intercepted in international waters and taken to the Israeli port city of Ashdod, where they were detained before being released and flown to Jordan.
South Africa’s ambassador to Jordan, Tselane Mokuena, received them upon arrival, and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation later confirmed that the activists were “in good health and high spirits.”
Before his release, Mandla managed to send a brief audio message to his family: “Tell my wife that I am coming home. Tell my kids Mandela, Rolihlahla and Nonhlanhla that daddy is coming home. Looking forward to seeing you all. Inshallah.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the detention, saying Israel’s actions “violate international law and the sovereignty of nations whose flags were flown on the vessels.”
“This is Nkosi Zwelivelile on the Jordanian galaxy. Can you hear me? We are reporting that all our comrades, brothers and sisters on the GSF are safe and on their way home,” Mandla Mandela
“To anyone receiving this message, please tell my wife that I am coming home. She must… pic.twitter.com/COPDGegMdK
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) October 7, 2025
Israeli officials have defended the operation as lawful, insisting that detainees were screened before deportation. Mandla, however, rejected this, saying their treatment “exposed the brutality of the regime” and reaffirmed his solidarity with the people of Palestine.
First published by African Insider
Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
Also see: Finally coming home! Nosekeni Mandela celebrates husband’s release
