Wednesday, 08 October 2025

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomes the release of the South Africans who were unlawfully captured and detained by the apartheid regime of Israel for their participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla. The flotilla was a noble humanitarian mission aimed at breaking the illegal blockade on Gaza and delivering hope, solidarity, and essential aid to a people under siege.

Those detained were Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, former Member of Parliament and grandson of former President Nelson Mandela, author Zukiswa Wanner, and activists Reaaz Moolla, Zaheer Soomar, Dr Fatima Hendricks, and Carrie Shelver, all of whom took part in a peaceful, global act of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Their bravery and compassion represent the highest form of human conscience and internationalism.

The EFF condemns, once again, Israel’s interception of the flotilla in international waters which was a blatant act of piracy and defiance of international law. These South Africans and their fellow activists were unarmed humanitarians, carrying no weapons but moral conviction. Their abduction by Israel exposes once again the cruelty and lawlessness of a regime that continues to operate above the law, shielded by Western complicity and silence.

Although the flotilla did not reach Gaza, its mission succeeded in amplifying global awareness of the ongoing genocide and blockade against the people of Palestine. Their courage has strengthened the spirit of resistance in Gaza and reminded the world that the struggle for Palestinian freedom is not isolated but is part of a global fight against oppression and injustice.

We are, however, deeply disappointed by the silence of President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government, who have failed to take a firm and moral stance against Israel’s aggression toward South African citizens. While other nations, such as Colombia, have taken decisive action by expelling Israeli diplomats for holding their citizens hostage, South Africa’s leadership remains muted and indecisive.

The EFF reiterates our support for the Palestinian struggle and salutes all those who risk their lives to challenge the criminal blockade of Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla may have been intercepted, but its message has reached every corner of the world. We welcome home these brave South Africans and urge them to see this not as a failure, but as a victory in the ongoing liberation of Palestine.

ISSUED BY ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Sinawo Thambo (National Spokesperson) 072 629 7422

Thembi Msane (National Spokesperson) 061 467 8169

Andiswa Madikazi (Parliament Media Liason) 069 516 4924

Thato Lebyane (Media Inquiries) 078 563 1581