Mandela’s grandsons demand the release of their cousin Mandla detained by Isreal
Mandla Mandela, a grandson of Nelson Mandela, is a member of this mission.
Image: MARCO LONGARI / AFP
Mayibuye and Melisizwe Mandela, grandsons of Nelson Mandela, have issued a statement demanding the immediate release of their cousin, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, who was among nearly 500 activists intercepted and detained by Israeli authorities during a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza.
In a media statement released on Thursday, Mayibuye and Melisizwe condemned what they described as the “unlawful and inhumane” actions of “Apartheid Israel” against the peace-driven activists, including prominent climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
The flotilla’s mission was to deliver much-needed aid and demonstrate solidarity with the people of Gaza, who continue to suffer under Israel’s blockade.
“These freedom-loving men and women have shown extraordinary bravery, choosing not to remain silent in the face of genocide, occupation, and apartheid,” Mandela grandsons said.
They invoked the words of Nelson Mandela, reminding the global community that “our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinian people.”
They called on the international community, including the United Nations and the African Union, to intervene swiftly to ensure the safe release and passage of the detained activists.
“The interception of this humanitarian flotilla is an affront not only to international law, but to the spirit of human solidarity that Madiba lived and died for,” the statement read.
Mayibuye and Melisizwe underscored the historic significance of the activists’ courage.
“History will remember the courage of these activists who refused to look away. The struggle of the Palestinian people is our struggle. Their freedom is our freedom. Until Palestine is free, none of us is free.”
The flotilla’s interception has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organisations and has reignited calls for an end to the Gaza blockade.
Earlier today, President Cyril Ramaphosa formally called on the Government of Israel to release South Africans and other nationals abducted during the interdiction of the flotilla in international waters off the coast of Gaza.
The South Africans detained include Nkosi Mandla Mandela, Zukiswa Wanner, and Reaaz Moolla.
Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks, and Carrie Shelver's status remains pending confirmation.
President Ramaphosa condemned the Israeli operation on the Flotilla.
“The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla is another grave offence by Israel against global solidarity that is aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza and advancing peace in the region…
“The interception of the flotilla in international waters is contrary to international law and violates the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the dozens of vessels in the flotilla.”
The President reaffirmed South Africa’s position supporting the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights’ call for Israel to urgently lift the blockade on Gaza and allow life-saving aid to enter through all available channels.
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
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