The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed that former President Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, and other South African activists detained by Israeli forces after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, will be released on Tuesday.
Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said on Monday that the South African government had been in “intensive and ongoing talks” with Israeli authorities and international partners to secure the activists’ freedom.
“We can confirm that the South Africans detained by Israel will be released on Tuesday. The necessary diplomatic and logistical arrangements are being finalised to ensure their safe passage home,” Phiri said.
“Our government remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of South African citizens abroad, and to supporting international efforts aimed at ending the suffering in Gaza.”
Mandela and five other South Africans were among more than 50 international activists detained last week when Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters. The flotilla had been en route to Gaza, carrying humanitarian aid and medical supplies intended for civilians affected by Israel’s ongoing siege of the enclave.
The detained South Africans include author and activist Zukiswa Wanner, Dr Fatima Hendricks, Zaheera Soomar, Carrie Shelver, and Reaaz Moolla. All were part of a global coalition of human rights defenders seeking to challenge the blockade of Gaza through peaceful solidarity missions.
In a video message recorded before his detention, Mandla Mandela described the flotilla’s interception as an “unlawful act of piracy” by the Israeli navy.
“We were on a peaceful humanitarian mission to deliver aid and express solidarity with the people of Gaza. Our arrest and the seizure of our vessel amount to an abduction by the state of apartheid Israel,” he said.
Activists around the world have welcomed news of the imminent release. The Global Sumud Flotilla Coalition said the outcome was “a testament to international solidarity and the tireless advocacy of the South African government.”
“While we celebrate this step, we remain deeply concerned for other activists still held in detention and for the people of Gaza, who continue to endure unspeakable suffering under siege,” the coalition said in a statement.
Back home, South Africans have held vigils and marches demanding the release of the detainees. Over the weekend, hundreds gathered in Johannesburg’s Lenasia and Cape Town’s District Six, carrying banners reading “Free the Flotilla – Free Palestine.”
Global human rights organisations have also criticised Israel’s interception of the vessel, describing it as a violation of international maritime and humanitarian law. Calls for accountability have come from countries across the Global South, as well as from international law experts who argue that Israel’s blockade of Gaza contravenes the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions.
Phiri said Pretoria would continue to engage with the United Nations and regional partners to ensure the safe return of all activists and the protection of humanitarian operations bound for Gaza.
“Our position remains clear,” he added. “South Africa supports all lawful efforts to provide humanitarian aid and to end the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.”
As the activists prepare to return home, their release marks a diplomatic victory for South Africa — but also a reminder of the country’s enduring solidarity with Palestine and its call for peace through justice.
