Gaza flotilla: Detained South Africans will be heading home soon says Dirco
Nkosi Zwelivelile 'Mandla' Mandela, Nelson Mandela's grandson are among the South Africans who were detained when the Gaza flotilla was intercepted by Israel's naval forces.
Image: AFP
The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) says it has made contact with a group of South Africans, who were detained when Israel's naval forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla last week.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the department said a team had met with the detainees who are currently at the Negev prison facility in Israel and that preparations were being made for them to return home.
Nkosi Zwelivelile 'Mandla' Mandela, Nelson Mandela's grandson, Zukiswa Wanner, Carrie Shelver, Dr Fatima Hendricks, Zaheera Soomar and Reaz Moola are the six South Africans who were on the flotilla.
Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said: “The delegation has confirmed the detainees are in good health and in high spirits.
“The necessary procedures for their safe passage and return home to SA are advancing steadily.”
The South Africans were among international activists aboard a flotilla carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza.
The vessels were intercepted by Israeli forces on Thursday before reaching their destination.
The flotilla, organised by pro-Palestinian groups, was reportedly transporting medical and relief supplies for civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza.
Following the interception, passengers were detained and questioned by Israeli authorities.
Dirco said it had been in constant contact with Israeli officials and diplomatic partners to ensure the safety and release of the detained South Africans.
On Friday, the Global Sumud Flotilla organisation announced that its last remaining vessel, the Marinette, was intercepted on the same day, approximately 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza.
A statement from the group said: “Over 38 hours, Israeli occupation naval forces illegally intercepted all 42 of our vessels, each carrying humanitarian aid, volunteers, and the determination to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza. Marinette sailed forward with the spirit of Sumud, steadfastness, even after seeing the fate of 41 boats before her. But this is not the end of our mission. Our determination to confront Israel’s atrocities and stand with the Palestinian people remains unshaken.”