Families and supporters gathered at OR Tambo International Airport to welcome home South African activists who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission to Gaza that was intercepted by Israeli security forces.
Among the six detained activists was Nkosi Mandla Mandela, grandson of former president Nelson Mandela. The group also included Zukiswa Wanner, Dr Fatima Hendricks, Reaaz Moola, Zaheera Soomar, and Carolyn Shelver. They were held in Israel’s Negev detention facility after being seized onboard the flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid destined for Gaza.
Addressing the media upon arrival, Mandela expressed his gratitude to those who made the mission possible.
“We want to first and foremost acknowledge those ordinary men and women who made the Global Sumud Flotilla possible. They often operate in the shadows and are never recognised. As a collective, we want to thank them and our donors for ensuring that we were able to see this mission through,” Mandela said.
The Royal House of Mandela (RHoM) was among those who had called for the release of all detainees. In a statement, the RHoM thanked the international community for its solidarity during the activists’ detention and strongly supported the activists during their time of detention, releasing a statement that praised the courage of the group.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families during this difficult time. You can be proud of our heroes who acted in accordance with the UN and ICJ injunctions to ensure the free and unfettered flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” the statement read.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) confirmed that a specialist team had been in contact with the detained South Africans while they were held at the Negev facility. According to Dirco, the activists remained in good health and high spirits, and all necessary procedures were completed for their safe return home.
Saturday Star
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