Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has confirmed that the group of South African humanitarians — including activist and tribal chief Mandla Mandela — who were detained by Israeli forces last week will return home on Tuesday.
The South Africans were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission delivering aid to Gaza, when their vessel was intercepted by Israeli authorities in international waters.
Department spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the government had received official confirmation that the six citizens would be released and repatriated.
“We have received confirmation that the individuals in question are scheduled to be released from detention and will be repatriated, departing via Jordan tomorrow [Tuesday] morning,” said Phiri.
He added that Minister Lamola had extended his gratitude to all parties, both local and international, who assisted in coordinating the release.
Lamola reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of South Africans abroad.
The abduction was first brought to light through a distressing video message sent by Mandla Mandela, who said:
“If you are receiving this video, it means I have already been intercepted and abducted by the Israeli forces. I call on you as the citizens of South Africa to call on our government for my immediate release.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa later confirmed that the South Africans on board included Mandela, Zukiswa Wanner, and Reaaz Moolla, with further confirmation pending for Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks, and Carrie Shelver.
Ramaphosa strongly condemned Israel’s actions, saying the interception “violates international law and the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the flotilla vessels,” adding that it also breaches an International Court of Justice injunction protecting humanitarian aid routes.
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