South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has demanded the “immediate and unconditional” release of Mandla Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, after he was reportedly detained by Israeli forces during a humanitarian flotilla mission to Gaza.
The incident occurred when Israeli naval forces intercepted a flotilla carrying aid bound for Gaza. Mandela, who serves as an MP and is known for his outspoken support of the Palestinian cause, was among several international activists on board.
According to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the vessel was in international waters when it was stopped. DIRCO said it was working with regional partners and international bodies to verify Mandela’s location and secure his safe return.
“The government of South Africa condemns in the strongest terms the unlawful detention of our citizens, including Mr. Mandla Mandela,” Ramaphosa said in a statement. “This act of aggression against a humanitarian mission violates international law and cannot be justified under any circumstances.”
Eyewitnesses aboard the flotilla reported that Israeli commandos boarded the ships using speedboats and helicopters before escorting them to the Israeli port of Ashdod. Several activists were allegedly injured during the operation.
Mandela has long been an advocate for Palestinian rights, frequently drawing parallels between Israel’s occupation and South Africa’s apartheid history. Earlier this year, he led marches calling for sanctions against Israel and the expulsion of its ambassador from Pretoria.
In response to the detention, South Africa’s Parliament suspended proceedings for a moment of silence, while several political parties and civil society groups expressed solidarity. The ANC Youth League described Mandela as “a symbol of conscience and courage in the face of injustice.”
Israel’s Defence Forces confirmed that it had intercepted “a vessel attempting to breach the naval blockade on Gaza,” stating that “no one was harmed” and that “all individuals on board are being processed in accordance with Israeli law.”
International observers and human rights organisations have condemned the raid, calling it a violation of maritime law and urging Israel to release all detainees immediately. The incident has reignited debate over Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which the United Nations has described as collective punishment.
As of Sunday morning, Mandela’s legal representatives and family members had not yet been granted direct contact with him. DIRCO confirmed that diplomatic channels were being used to ensure his safety and swift release.
“Mandla’s detention is not just a South African issue—it’s a global moral issue,” said former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela. “This reminds the world that speaking out for the oppressed still comes at a cost.”
South Africa has been one of Israel’s most vocal critics since the Gaza war escalated, recalling its ambassador last year and referring the country to the International Court of Justice for alleged violations of the Genocide Convention.
With tensions rising globally over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, analysts say Mandela’s detention could further strain already fragile diplomatic relations between Pretoria and Tel Aviv.
At the time of publication, the Israeli government had not responded to South Africa’s demand for Mandela’s release.