South Africa on the flotilla to Gaza

The convoy is carrying baby formula, antibiotics, bandages and staple foods and will test whether Israel's blockade will again choke civilian access to the Strip

- Hasina Kathrada

Nine South Africans will sail next week with the largest civilian flotilla yet to challenge the Israeli blockade on Gaza. Among them is Mandla Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela.

This is a South African story as much as a global one and moves the country's stance against Israel from court papers at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to open waters.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is part of the wider Global March to Gaza, a coalition of more than 40 countries. The march coordinates land convoys, protests and international campaigns, while the flotilla represents its maritime front — a civilian-led attempt to breach the blockade at sea. Both are bound by the same mission: resisting Israel's siege through strategic, nonviolent direct action and keeping Gaza on the world's agenda when governments remain silent.

More than 50 boats from at least 44 countries are taking part and the fleet departs from several ports, with Barcelona being the first leg on 31 August. All vessels will assemble in Tunis and sail together on 4 September under the Global Sumud Flotilla.

“Sumud” means steadfastness in Arabic. The design favours many boats rather than one flagship. Smaller craft mobilise quickly, spread risk and avoid a single point of failure. Crews train in nonviolence and in maritime rules. Manifests are open. Medics and legal observers are on board. Communications are set so that what happens on the water can be seen on land.

The convoy is peaceful, nonviolent and lawful. Cargo is declared and unarmed. Baby formula, antibiotics, bandages, staple foods. The aim is simple — move essentials to people who need them and test whether the blockade will again choke civilian access.