The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has assured the public that the South Africans detained at Negev Prison in Israel, following the interception of their flotilla in international waters, are in good health.
The six South Africans, including Nelson Mandela’s grandson Chief Mandla Mandela, are part of the activists who were abducted while aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels trying to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid.
On Sunday, DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said a specialist team met with the detainees and they are in good health and in high spirits.
“The necessary procedures for their safe passage and return home to South Africa are advancing steadily.”
On Thursday, October 2, President Cyril Ramaphosa demanded the immediate release of the South Africans and other activists, saying the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels is another grave offence by Israel against global solidarity and sentiment that is aimed at relieving suffering in Gaza and advancing peace in the region.
“On behalf of our government and nation, I call on Israel to immediately release the South Africans abducted in international waters, and to release other nationals who have tried to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid.
“The interception of the flotilla 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,” he said.
