DIRCO Confirms South African Flotilla Delegates in Good Health After Israeli Detention

PRETORIA — The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has provided an update on the welfare of South African delegates detained in Israel following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza.

In a statement released on Sunday, 5 October 2025, DIRCO confirmed that its specialist team met with the South African delegation being held at the Negev Israeli Prison facility.

“The delegation has confirmed the detainees are in good health and in high spirits,” the department said.
“The necessary procedures for their safe passage and return home to South Africa are advancing steadily.”

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

The update comes days after a dramatic escalation at sea, during which Chief Mandla Mandela, the grandson of former President Nelson Mandela, and several international activists were detained by Israeli forces aboard the humanitarian vessel Alma.

The Alma was one of several ships participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international campaign aiming to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. Reports indicate that 19 activists and politicians, including Mandela, were taken into custody following the interception.

South Africa has since called for the immediate release of all detainees and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of Palestinians.

DIRCO spokesperson Mr. Chrispin Phiri confirmed that diplomatic channels remain active and that the department continues to monitor the situation closely.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure the safe and swift return of our citizens,” he said.

This development underscores growing international concern over the treatment of activists involved in humanitarian flotilla missions and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.