Mandla Mandela and Global Sumud Flotilla Activists Released, En Route to South Africa After Israeli Detention

South African MP Chief Mandla Mandela, the grandson of former President Nelson Mandela, and fellow Global Sumud Flotilla activists have been released by Israeli authorities following their detention earlier this month. The group is currently in Jordan, making their way back to South Africa, according to a message shared by Mandela himself.

Flotilla Activists Safely Released After Interception

The activists were detained on October 1, 2025, when Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla — a humanitarian convoy aimed at delivering aid to Gaza and protesting against the long-standing blockade imposed on the territory.

The flotilla, which included peace advocates, parliamentarians, and human rights activists from multiple countries, was reportedly forcibly redirected before being detained. Their capture sparked international concern and calls for their immediate release.

READ: Mandla Mandela Among 19 Activists Abducted by Israeli Navy on Global Sumud Flotilla |

“All Our Comrades Are Safe” — Mandla Mandela Confirms

In an emotional message transmitted after his release, Chief Mandla Mandela reassured supporters and families that all detainees were unharmed.

“Flotilla, Flotilla, come in. This is Nkosi Zwelivelile on the Jordanian Galaxy. Can you hear me? We are reporting that all our comrades, brothers and sisters on the Global Sumud Flotilla are safe and on their way home,” he said.

Mandela added a heartfelt message to his family:

“Please tell my wife, Nosekeni Rabia Mandela, that I am coming home. She must tell my kids that Daddy is coming home. Looking forward to seeing you all.”

From ‘Abduction’ Allegations to Freedom

Just days earlier, Mandela appeared in a video message claiming he and others had been abducted by Israeli forces after their ship, the Alma, was surrounded and seized. His initial video — widely shared on social media — triggered outrage among human rights groups and South African political organizations, who demanded intervention.

The South African government, through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), confirmed that diplomatic channels were engaged to secure the activists’ release.

International Reaction and Calls for Accountability

Global solidarity movements and humanitarian organizations have welcomed the activists’ safe return but continue to condemn Israel’s interception of the flotilla. Many argue that the blockade of Gaza violates international law and hampers the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

Observers note that the Global Sumud Flotilla’s mission is part of a broader campaign to challenge the blockade and draw global attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Homecoming and Debriefing Expected

According to Mandela, the activists will hold media briefings in their respective home countries upon arrival to share their experiences, the objectives of their mission, and the challenges they faced.

Their return marks the end of a tense diplomatic episode but underscores growing global frustration over restrictions on humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

“This mission was about peace, dignity, and solidarity with the people of Palestine,” a statement from the flotilla organizers read. “Our resolve remains unbroken.”