South African activists from Gaza-bound flotilla deported by Israel arrive in Jordan
The flotilla, comprising multiple vessels carrying hundreds of activists from 44 countries, was stopped about 70 nautical miles off the Gaza coast, where Israeli forces boarded the vessels and redirected them to an Israeli port.
South Africa has confirmed the arrival of several of its activists in Jordan who were deported to the country by Israel after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Tel Aviv authorities last week.
The flotilla, comprising multiple vessels carrying hundreds of activists from 44 countries, was stopped about 70 nautical miles off the Gaza coast, where Israeli forces boarded the vessels and redirected them to an Israeli port.
Nkosi Zwelivelile "Mandla" Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, was among the detained activists.
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South Africa's Department of International Relations and Co-operation confirmed the development in a statement seen by The Eastleigh Voice on Tuesday.
"Our ambassador, Tselane Mokuena, was present to receive the delegation on behalf of the Republic," the Department stated.
According to the statement, the activists are expected to arrive in South Africa on Wednesday morning.
"The delegation is scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning at 09:30 at O.R. Tambo International Airport. The delegation's return is being facilitated with the financial support of their families and solidarity groups. The South African government's role has been one of diplomatic facilitation and engagement with all relevant parties."
Around 20 boats left the Spanish city of Barcelona on August 30, 2025. Another 30 left from other ports and joined the mission. (Photo: Lorena Sopena/NurPhoto/IMAGO via DW)
While demanding the release of the activists last week, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned Israel's interception of the flotilla as a breach of international law
"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," he said then.
"The interception violates the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the dozens of vessels in the flotilla. It also violates an International Court of Justice injunction that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow unimpeded."
He similarly reiterated calls by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for Israel to urgently lift the blockade on Gaza.
South Africa has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel's genocide in Gaza, having even filed a case at The Hague in December 2023, citing Tel Aviv's violation of the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
Medical reports from Gaza indicate the death toll had reached 67,173 as of Tuesday, with 169,780 people injured, including 20,179 children, 10,427 women, 4,813 elderly persons and 31,754 men.
On Monday, Egypt resumed indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, with reports indicating the first day went well, raising hopes for a potential deal under US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict.
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