South African Flotilla Activists Repatriated After Israeli Detention

Activists Arrive in Jordan, Set for South African Return

Six South African activists, including Nkosi Zwelivelile 'Mandla' Mandela, the grandson of late former President Nelson Mandela, have been released from Israeli detention and safely arrived in Jordan. The group was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), an international mission aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. Their repatriation via Jordan was confirmed by the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on October 7, 2025, with their arrival back in South Africa scheduled for October 8, 2025, at O.R. Tambo International Airport at 09:30 AM local time.

The Global Sumud Flotilla Mission

The Global Sumud Flotilla, an initiative launched in June 2025, sought to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza and highlight the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. The flotilla, comprising over 40 vessels and approximately 470 activists from more than 44 countries, set sail from various European ports, including Barcelona, Spain, in early September 2025. It carried essential supplies such as food, medical equipment, and other necessities. The mission was intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters, approximately 70-75 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza, on October 1 or 2, 2025.

Detention and Diplomatic Engagement

Following the interception, the activists were detained by Israeli authorities and transferred to a detention facility, including Ktzi'ot Prison in the Negev desert. The six South African citizens detained were:

• Nkosi Zwelivelile 'Mandla' Mandela
• Zukiswa Wanner
• Reaaz Moolla
• Dr. Fatima Hendricks
• Zaheera Soomar
• Carrie Shelver

The South African government, through DIRCO, engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure their release. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, expressed gratitude for the cooperation that led to the successful outcome. DIRCO clarified that while the government provided diplomatic facilitation, the financial support for the activists' return was primarily facilitated by their families and solidarity groups.

Safe Passage and Return Home

Upon their release, the South African activists were deported via the Allenby Bridge crossing into Jordan. South Africa's Ambassador to Jordan, Tselane Mokuena, was present to receive the delegation, marking a crucial step in their journey home. The incident drew international attention, with allegations of poor detention conditions reported by some activists from the flotilla, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who was also among those detained and deported. Israel has maintained that its actions were in defense of its naval blockade, a stance that has been widely criticized by international bodies and human rights organizations as a violation of international law regarding freedom of navigation and humanitarian aid delivery.