The South Africans detained in Israel received a hero’s welcome at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, 8 October.
The activists, who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), were arrested after their boats were intercepted in international waters. The flotilla had been attempting to break the siege on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.
Among those detained was Mandla Mandela, grandson of former President Nelson Mandela and a former Member of Parliament. The group arrived in South Africa from Jordan and addressed the media upon their return.
DETAINEES TREATED HARSHLY
A visibly emotional Mandela detailed how the detainees were treated harshly by Israeli authorities, stating that some activists were denied food, handcuffed tightly with cable ties, and paraded before Israeli citizens and allies. He added that the South Africans were not allowed to shower, saying this was part of an attempt to dehumanise them. Mandela noted that he was the last to be released, which he attributed to South Africa’s decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
“But it is nothing compared to what Palestinians have been subjected to on a daily basis,” he said. “We were kidnapped in international waters – Palestinians are attacked, maimed, and killed.”
Mandela stressed that the activists were never bound for Israel, but for Palestine:
“We were not coming to Israel; we were not coming to recognise this entity. We were going to Gaza.”
He also recounted an encounter with Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who allegedly referred to the detainees as “baby killers.” In response, Mandela condemned the accusation, saying:
“We are not baby killers; you are the baby killers. A people united can never be defeated.”
HUMANITARIAN MISSIONS TO CONTINUE
He also claimed that he vowed that the humanitarian missions would continue until Palestine is liberated, declaring:
“There will never be justice on stolen land.”
Mandela thanked supporters and donors for enabling their participation in the humanitarian mission. He criticised Egypt for refusing the activists passage, despite previously indicating otherwise. Mandela said the African participants sailed together to Tunisia, demonstrating a spirit of Ubuntu and unity across the continent.
Six members of the GSF remain in Israeli detention. Mandela called for solidarity groups to assist with their release.
