South African Gaza Flotilla Activists Released, Now En Route Home

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Six South African activists who were detained in Israel after joining the Global Sumud Flotilla have safely arrived in Jordan and are on their way home. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed the group is expected to land at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday morning. Among the delegation were Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, along with Fatima Hendricks, Zaheera Soomar, Zukiswa Wanner, Reaaz Moola, and Carrie Shelver. They were part of a 500-strong international convoy aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to war-ravaged Gaza. The flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces last Thursday, with some activists

deported and others held in custody. DIRCO says the activists’ release and return were coordinated by families and solidarity networks. Phemelo speaks to Sunny Morgan, spokesperson for the Global Sumud Flotilla, about the experience and what comes next.
7 Oct 2025 5PM English South Africa Education · Careers

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