“Our Freedom Is Incomplete”: Nelson Mandela Foundation Slams Israel Over Seizure of Gaza Aid Flotilla

Mandela’s Legacy Invoked as Israel Seizes Humanitarian Flotilla Bound for Gaza

South Africa’s moral voice has entered the global conversation once again and this time, it’s thundering across the sea.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation has come out strongly against Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian mission reportedly carrying international activists and aid destined for besieged Gaza. According to reports, the flotilla was seized in international waters, with those onboard allegedly being transferred to Ketziot prison, a desert facility historically linked to allegations of torture and maltreatment of Palestinian detainees.

“We Cannot Remain Silent”

In a statement that echoed South Africa’s anti-apartheid history, the Foundation said:

“As an organisation mandated to mobilise Madiba’s legacy… we cannot remain silent when humanitarian initiatives are obstructed and when those working to advance human dignity are detained.”

Their words were swiftly backed by public outrage across South African social media not just from ordinary citizens, but from prominent voices.

Anger in South Africa: “They Blocked Aid and Abducted Those Delivering It”

Acclaimed author Mohale Mashigo took to X (formerly Twitter), directly tagging President Cyril Ramaphosa:

“Israel abducted my friend Zukiswa Wanner and other members of the Global Sumud Flotilla… That is who you’re selling coal to.”

That jab refers to South Africa’s controversial coal trade with Israel, which critics have accused the government of maintaining despite its stated pro-Palestine stance. The flotilla’s interception has reignited that debate is South Africa doing enough beyond symbolic solidarity?

EFF Weighs In: “This Is Kidnapping”

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also entered the fray, with spokesperson Sinawo Thambo labelling the operation a “kidnapping of South African citizens by a foreign military force.”

“Across the world, outrage is growing… with ordinary people tired of Israel’s impunity and brutality.”

A Familiar Parallel Apartheid South Africa and Occupied Palestine

For many South Africans, the incident feels alarmingly familiar. During apartheid, aid workers smuggled food and information across borders. Activists were detained without trial. International solidarity helped break the system.

Now, the Mandela Foundation is reminding the world of Madiba’s words:

“Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinian people.”

This is more than a diplomatic statement, it’s a moral line in the sand.

What Happens Next?

• Will South Africa formally demand the release of its citizens involved in the flotilla?

• Could this escalate into another diplomatic standoff like the ICC genocide case?

• Will Pretoria finally cut its economic ties with Israel?

One thing is certain, the spirit of international solidarity that defined South Africa’s own freedom struggle is alive once again, and this time, it’s sailing under a Palestinian flag.

{Source: IOL}

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