The South African government has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Mandla Mandela and four other citizens reportedly detained by Israeli forces during a humanitarian flotilla mission to Gaza. The move comes as the South African Medical Association (SAMA) suspends its relations with the Israeli Medical Association (IMA), citing moral and ethical concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) is said to be working behind closed doors, coordinating with multiple partners to bring home the detained South Africans — Mandla Mandela, Carolyn Shelver, Dr. Zaheera Soomar, Reaaz Moola, and Dr. Fatima Hendricks.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly demanded the “immediate and unconditional” release of Mandela, the grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, along with other South African nationals. “The flotilla’s interception in international waters is contrary to international law and violates the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the dozens of vessels in the flotilla,” Ramaphosa said.
The flotilla, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, was a humanitarian mission involving participants from 44 countries attempting to deliver aid to Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing blockade. Reports indicate that more than 450 activists, including South African author Zukiswa Wanner, were detained by Israeli forces after their vessels were intercepted in international waters.
Healthcare Workers 4 Palestine South Africa (HCW4P-SA) praised SAMA’s decision to suspend ties with the Israeli Medical Association, calling it a significant moral stand.
“South Africa’s SAMA has shown tremendous integrity and courage,” HCW4P-SA said in a statement. “This move sets a precedent and demonstrates a genuine commitment to moral transformation rooted in our nation’s history of resistance against apartheid.”
The suspension also includes a call for the Israeli Medical Association’s removal from the World Medical Association (WMA), signalling a growing international pushback from professional and humanitarian organisations against Israel’s treatment of medical workers and civilians in Gaza.
While the diplomatic discussions continue, concern for the wellbeing of the detained South Africans grows. Blogger and podcaster James Murua, whose partner Zukiswa Wanner is among those detained, called on the Kenyan government and the African Union (AU) to intervene.
“In any other situation, I wouldn’t be worried about the safety of my partner,” Murua said. “But the Israelis have shown singular cruelty to anyone who stands in the way of their mission to eradicate Palestinians.”
According to eyewitness accounts, those aboard the flotilla were denied medical assistance for over 30 hours, receiving only minimal access to water during their detention. The incident has sparked renewed debate over the legality and morality of Israel’s actions in international waters.
Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri confirmed that negotiations were ongoing but did not provide details on a potential release. “Please look out for an update that we intend to provide as soon as we can,” Phiri said.
As the situation develops, South Africa’s firm diplomatic stance and civil society’s growing solidarity with Palestine reflect a deepening divide between Pretoria and Tel Aviv. While Dirco’s diplomacy operates quietly behind the scenes, the symbolic gestures from organisations like SAMA and HCW4P-SA echo South Africa’s long-standing position — one that frames human rights as non-negotiable, even when political currents grow turbulent.
