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Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila sit in a vessel making their way to Israel, after Israel intercepted some of the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel’s naval blockade, in this handout image released on October 2, 2025.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a call for the immediate release of South African nationals detained by Israeli forces.
The group is part of the Global Summud Flotilla 44-ship humanitarian convoy en route to Gaza.
Among those confirmed detained are former President Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, acclaimed author Zukiswa Wanner, and activist Reaz Moola.
The flotilla was intercepted as it attempted to deliver aid to the besieged region.
In a social media post, Israel’s foreign ministry announced the detained crew members would be deported to a European country, though the destination has not yet been disclosed.
President Ramaphosa emphasises South Africa’s commitment to international solidarity and humanitarian efforts, urging swift diplomatic action to secure the release of its citizens.
Flotilla | Mandla Mandela ‘abducted’ during the seizure of flotilla vessels
Social media influencer and activist @jacksonhinklle releases footage of him and Mandla Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s grandson, in Sana’a, Yemen, who was abducted by Israeli Occupying Forces from the #GlobalSumudFlotilla. pic.twitter.com/T4fyNWA3w8
— Global Sumud Flotilla ✨ (@GSMFlotilla) October 2, 2025
