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South Africa’s Mandla Mandela to Sail with Greta Thunberg in Largest Ever Gaza Flotilla

Published

3 weeks ago

August 12, 2025

Chiraag

civilian ships Gaza aid, solidarity flotilla 2025, human rights maritime mission, Mandla Mandela activism, Thunberg ships Gaza, Joburg ETC

When Legacy Meets Activism on the High Seas

It is not every day that a Mandela takes to the ocean. But when Chief Mandla Mandela joins a flotilla alongside Greta Thunberg to sail against Gaza’s siege, we are reminded of our own city’s fight for justice and dignity.

A United Flotilla from Spain to Tunisia

Dubbed the Global Sumud Flotilla, this unprecedented civilian armada will set sail from Spain on 31 August and from Tunisia and other Mediterranean ports on 4 September 2025, sparked by solidarity from 44 countries.

From Apartheid Roots to Palestinian Solidarity

Mandla Mandela draws on the legacy of the anti-apartheid struggle as he speaks out against what he calls an escalating genocide in Gaza over the past 22 months. Across the world, activists argue the flotilla is a lawful humanitarian effort and warn any interception at sea would amount to piracy.

Resonance at Home

In Johannesburg, where memories of Mandela’s legacy stir ongoing conversations about justice, this voyage reminds us that the fight for human dignity has no borders and that every voice counts.

Solidarity Speaks Through Stories

From Germany, Yasemin Acar delivers the message: “We will sail for justice… We see you. We hear you.” And in an echo of that solidarity, South African Pieter Kriel testified to the power of witnessing injustice firsthand: “Solidarity demands that we bear witness… Israel does not want eyes on its occupation.”

A Mission with History and Momentum

This follows earlier attempts. Most notably the June journey on Madleen with Thunberg onboard and the July mission aboard Handala, both intercepted by Israeli forces. The new flotilla, boosted by lessons learned, broader backing, and fresh organisation, brings a renewed push for humanitarian access to Gaza.