JOHANNESBURG – Mandla Mandela, grandson of the late South African president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, arrived back in Johannesburg on Wednesday after being detained for six days in Israel and subsequently deported via Jordan. Mandela was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, which Israel intercepted and prevented from reaching the enclave.
Mandela described the harsh treatment endured during detention, including being handcuffed tightly with cable ties and publicly paraded upon removal from the boats. He emphasized that while their ordeal was severe, it paled in comparison to the daily suffering Palestinians endure amid the ongoing Israeli military offensive against Hamas.
The flotilla included hundreds of international activists, among them Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg, all detained in Israel before release. Israeli authorities have denied mistreatment claims and labeled the flotilla a publicity stunt supporting Hamas.
South African activists in the group reported targeted mistreatment linked to their nationality, pointing to South Africa’s legal action accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice. Some detainees, particularly Muslim women, recounted forced removal of hijabs and humiliating treatment not suffered by others.
Throughout the episode, Mandela highlighted the solidarity with Palestinians and renewed calls for justice amid the blockade and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reflecting South Africa’s historic support for the Palestinian cause rooted in Nelson Mandela’s legacy. The return of the activists was met with supporters waving Palestinian flags at the airport, affirming the deep international ties many South Africans feel with the Palestinian struggle.
This event adds to mounting international criticism of Israel’s Gaza blockade and treatment of human rights activists attempting to deliver aid. Mandela and his fellow activists committed to continuing advocacy for Gaza, planning future efforts to break the siege by alternate means if necessary.