Six South African Flotilla Activists Return Home After Detention By Israeli Forces

Six South African members of the Global Sumud Flotilla have returned home after days of detention by Israeli forces. The activists landed at OR Tambo International Airport this week, greeted by a crowd waving Palestinian flags and chanting in celebration.

The group was part of an international humanitarian mission aimed at delivering aid to war-torn Gaza. After their release, they travelled from Jordan back to South Africa, where family, friends, and supporters gathered to welcome them.

Among those detained was Mandla Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, who became emotional as he addressed the media, reflecting on their ordeal.

Mandla Mandela Recounts Harrowing Ordeal in Detention

Mandela described the group’s experience, alleging that they were “held hostage and tortured” by Israeli forces. He recounted moments of fear and resilience during their capture, saying:

“What we embarked on, we knew it was not going to be easy. While we were in Tunisia, we found ourselves to be attacked by the Apartheid Israel. The family boat was bombed on a sovereign state, Tunisia.”

He continued, describing how they were treated after being taken into custody: “We were handcuffed with cable ties, tied tightly behind our backs, and put on the platform. Paraded for all the Israelis and the global community to see.”

Despite their suffering, Mandela said the group remained steadfast in their mission. “I want to be clear comrades that ours was a humanitarian mission. A non-violent mission.”

Calls for Accountability and Continued Solidarity

Mandela also detailed the conditions inside the detention facilities, saying they saw “names of Palestinians written on the walls of the Israeli prisons and the blood on the walls.”

He condemned the group’s treatment and urged the South African government to take action:

“Comrades, we were denied legal representation and communication with our diplomats. We call on our government to arrest all those who are complicit in fuelling the genocide and selling coal to Apartheid Israel.”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Six South African Flotilla Activists Detained By Israel Safely Arrive In Jordan — DIRCO Confirms

The activists vowed to continue their advocacy for the Palestinian people, insisting that their mission was one of peace and solidarity.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On  Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky