Finally coming home! Nosekeni Mandela celebrates husband’s release

by Staff Bona

Nosekeni Rabia Mandela has expressed immense relief after confirmation that her husband, activist Mandla Mandela, and other South Africans detained in Israel will soon be released.

The group had been detained while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which delivers aid to Gaza.

According to IOL, Nosekeni praised the efforts of the GSF legal team, Adalah, local support crews, and South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) in securing their release.

“I am grateful beyond words for the relentless dedication of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) legal team, Adalah, the local GSF support crew, and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco),” the report quoted her as saying.

“Their tireless efforts secured the release of the South African delegation.”

Dirco confirmed that the delegation will be repatriated via Jordan, with Minister Ronald Lamola thanking all parties involved and reaffirming the government’s commitment to the safety of its citizens abroad.

Meanwhile, the Israeli embassy confirmed on Monday that all South African activists detained last week will be released on Tuesday.

The group was intercepted on the GSF Flotilla while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

In response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for their release, the embassy stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the activists would be expelled via Jordan, adding that South African taxpayers would cover the cost of their deportation.

“Mr. President Cyril Ramaphosa: We trust DIRCO ZA has informed you that all South Africans who tried to enter illegally will be expelled tomorrow via Jordan. As always, it’s the South African taxpayers who get the honour of paying for their fellow citizens’ deportation tickets,” the embassy said.

 

First published by African Insider

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Also see: SA pushes for Mandla Mandela’s release