Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: SIX South African activists who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza returned to a hero’s welcome at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on October 8.
Mandla Mandela, former member of Parliament and grandson of Nelson Mandela, award-winning writer Zukiswa Wanner and activists Reaaz Moolla, Dr Zaheera Soomar, Dr Fatima Hendricks and Carrie Shelver had taken part in a mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. They were among more than 400 activists detained by the Israeli navy, including Greta Thunberg.
“We were intercepted in international waters which is a violation of international law, maritime law, and a violation of our human rights,” said Mandela.
Mandela alleged that the South African delegation had been subjected to abuse and humiliation by Israeli officials. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir had accused them of terrorism, he said. While they were relieved to be home, they said they would be willing to join future attempts to bring aid to Gaza.
