Zuko Komisa
- President Ramaphosa has demanded that Israel release Mandla Mandela and other South African nationals allegedly abducted from the Global Sumud Flotilla.
- The President condemned the interception of the aid flotilla in international waters, calling it a “grave offence” that violates international law.
- The South African government is seeking the immediate release of its citizens and demands that the humanitarian cargo be allowed to reach Gaza.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued an urgent call for the Israeli government to release South African nationals and others allegedly abducted following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The President’s intervention on Thursday comes after reports that several South Africans, including Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, were aboard the humanitarian aid flotilla destined for Gaza.
Other confirmed South African passengers include Zukiswa Wanner and Reaaz Moolla. Confirmation is currently pending regarding the status of Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks, and Carrie Shelver.
President Ramaphosa condemned the actions, stating that the interception “is another grave offence by Israel of global solidarity and sentiment that is aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza and advancing peace in the region.”
“On behalf of our government and nation, I call on Israel to immediately release the South Africans abducted in international waters, and to release other nationals who have tried to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid,” the President said.
Ramaphosa asserted that the interception of the flotilla in international waters is “contrary to international law” and violates the sovereignty of the nations whose flags were flown. He also demanded that Israel ensure the life-saving cargo reaches the people of Gaza, emphasising that “The flotilla represents solidarity with Gaza, not confrontation with Israel.”
In pre-recorded footage released prior to the alleged incident, Mandla Mandela identified himself as a South African citizen and instructed viewers to consider the video as confirmation of his seizure.
“If you are receiving this video, it means that we have been intercepted and have been abducted by the state of apartheid Israel,” Mandela stated.
“I call you to request our government to exert pressure for my immediate release.”
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
Mandla Mandela’s pre-recorded message, released because Israel has captured him and activists in the Sumud Flotilla
pic.twitter.com/B1nNGJsrQn
— #Africa4Palestine (@Africa4Pal) October 1, 2025
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The post Ramaphosa demands release of ‘abducted’ Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela by Israel appeared first on KAYA 959.
