Johannesburg, South Africa — September 5, 2025
Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, grandson of former South African president Nelson Mandela, has departed Johannesburg to join the Global Sumud Flotilla bound for Gaza. Speaking to reporters at O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, Mandela described his participation as a continuation of his family’s legacy of standing against injustice, drawing parallels between South Africa’s apartheid history and the plight of Palestinians.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, organised by an international coalition, says delegations from more than 40 countries are taking part, with the mission aimed at delivering humanitarian aid and challenging Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Organisers have described the voyage as a peaceful solidarity effort, while Israeli authorities maintain the blockade is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling to militant groups.
At the time of departure, details of the flotilla’s cargo and the number of participants had not been independently verified. The mission has drawn both international support and criticism, highlighting the political sensitivities surrounding Gaza and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.