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From Detention to Defiance: SA Activists Tell Government It’s Time to Act on Israel
Activists Return Home to Renewed Calls for Action
The six South Africans detained by Israeli forces during the Global Sumud Flotilla have returned home to a hero’s welcome and with a powerful message for the government.
After being intercepted in international waters while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, the activists are now demanding that South Africa take harsher measures against Israel, including sanctions and arrests of citizens allegedly aiding the Israeli army.
Among the group was Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, whose return was met by cheering supporters waving Palestinian flags at OR Tambo International Airport. The gathering quickly transformed from a welcome reception into a rallying call for justice and accountability.
‘It’s Time for Real Consequences’
Addressing the media, Mandla Mandela called for stronger action against those supporting what he described as “genocide and ethnic cleansing” in Gaza.
“We call on the South African government, which has already taken apartheid Israel to the ICJ and ICC, to arrest all those complicit in fuelling the genocide and selling coal to apartheid Israel,” he said.
Mandela urged the government to ensure that South Africans serving illegally in the Israeli army face prosecution. He also referenced the obstruction the activists faced during their journey. “Many of our comrades were denied access at Cairo Airport. Flights were cancelled, and we were prevented from reaching Gaza to deliver aid,” he said.
‘They Called Us Terrorists’
Mandela revealed that during their detention, the group faced degrading treatment, including being denied food and basic rights. “More than 8,000 activists were denied access to humanitarian aid, labelled as terrorists, and treated like criminals,” he said.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, a multinational humanitarian mission, was sailing from Europe to Gaza to deliver essential supplies. It was intercepted by armed Israeli naval forces, with the activists detained before being released and flown to Jordan.
Organisers and Allies Speak Out
Jared Sacks, one of the flotilla organisers, said the mission’s interception was a sign that global pressure on Israel must intensify. “South Africa has taken Israel to the International Court of Justice for genocide, but more must be done,” he said.
Sacks urged the government to end trade in coal and other goods with Israel, sanction Israeli-linked companies, and follow Colombia’s recent decision to suspend diplomatic ties. He also suggested South Africa should take bolder international steps, including supporting peacekeeping measures to protect civilians in Gaza.
Support from Health Workers and Civil Groups
The activists’ release was also welcomed by Health Care Workers for Palestine–South Africa (HCW4P-SA). Spokesperson Nazreena Hassim praised their courage but reminded the public that the situation in Gaza remains dire.
“Our relief is tempered by the ongoing horror unfolding in Gaza,” she said. “The genocide persists, and we reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people until freedom and dignity are restored.”
Government Response
As pressure mounts, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed that it is considering additional steps. Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said South Africa continues to work with allies through The Hague group and that “further initiatives are under consideration for implementation.”
Phiri also confirmed the safe arrival of the activists in Jordan before their return home, adding that Ambassador Tselane Mokuena personally received them on behalf of the Republic.
A Renewed Chapter in South Africa’s Palestine Solidarity
South Africa has long identified with the Palestinian struggle, drawing parallels with its own apartheid history. The flotilla activists’ ordeal has reignited debate about whether symbolic gestures are enough, or if Pretoria should escalate with tangible trade and diplomatic consequences.
As the chants of “Free Palestine” echoed through OR Tambo’s arrival terminal, one message was clear: the fight for Gaza’s freedom has found new momentum back home.
Also read: Ciarrie Shelver Speaks Out: Inside Israeli Detention After the Gaza Flotilla Seizure
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: The Southern African Times
