Mandla Mandela, activist and grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, has reportedly been detained by Israeli forces after their interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) in international waters early Thursday morning. Mandela was among those on board one of the vessels headed for Gaza.

Before setting sail, Mandela recorded a video to be released in the event of capture.
“I am a citizen of South Africa. If you are watching this, it means we have been intercepted and taken by the apartheid state of Israel,” he said, appealing to Pretoria to act urgently for his release.

The South African chapter of the flotilla strongly condemned the interception, describing it as an illegal effort to obstruct humanitarian assistance bound for Gaza. Delegates on the boats — including several South African civilians — were reportedly met with drones and water cannon assaults before being detained.

In a statement, the Global Sumud Flotilla confirmed the ambush by Israeli naval forces, accusing them of violating international law.
“These attacks aim to stifle solidarity and cut off even the smallest channel of aid to Gaza,” the group said. “The flotilla was entirely peaceful and humanitarian, carrying civilians determined to highlight the suffering of Palestinians.”

The organisation urged the South African government to intervene for the safe return of its nationals, demanding immediate and unconditional release of all detained participants, legal access for them, and respect for international conventions governing humanitarian missions.

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) reiterated its stance on international law. Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri stressed that any hostile action against the flotilla in international waters would amount to a grave breach of global norms.
“The safety, security, and physical integrity of all unarmed participants aboard the flotilla, including South Africans, remain paramount,” Phiri said. He underlined that the flotilla was a civilian-led initiative, aimed solely at drawing attention to Gaza’s dire humanitarian crisis and delivering critical relief.

Other South Africans on the mission include Fatima Hendricks, Zaheera Soomar, Zukisa Wanner, Reaaz Moola, Bashera Soomar, and Carolyn Shelver.

Former EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi voiced support for Mandela, writing: “Mandla Mandela! Selfless brave soul. You make us eternally proud, Madiba. Strength to the Sumud Flotilla, Free Palestine.”