Call for detained activists to be released

Israeli forces intercepted Gaza flotilla in international waters

- THABO MAKWAKWA and XOLILE MTEMBU

MAYIBUYE and Melisizwe Mandela, grandsons of Nelson Mandela, have issued a statement demanding the immediate release of their cousin, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, who was among nearly 500 activists detained by Israeli authorities when they intercepted a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza.

In a media statement released yesterday, Mayibuye and Melisizwe condemned what they described as the “unlawful and inhumane” actions of “Apartheid Israel” against the peace-driven activists, including prominent climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.

The flotilla’s mission was to deliver much-needed aid and demonstrate solidarity with the people of Gaza, who continue to suffer under Israel’s blockade.

“These freedom-loving men and women have shown extraordinary bravery, choosing not to remain silent in the face of genocide, occupation, and apartheid,” Mandela's grandsons said.

They invoked the words of Nelson Mandela, reminding the global community that “our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinian people”.

They called on the international community, including the United Nations and the African Union, to intervene swiftly to ensure the safe release and passage of the detained activists.

“The interception of this humanitarian flotilla is an affront not only to international law but (also) to the spirit of human solidarity that Madiba lived and died for,” the statement read.