Mandla Mandela returns to South Africa after deportation by Israel
South African human rights activist, Mandla Mandela. Photo Credit- The Jerusalem Post
Mandla Mandela, grandson of South Africa’s late president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, arrived in Johannesburg on Wednesday after being detained and deported by Israel. The 51-year-old activist was part of a flotilla intercepted while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, an effort halted by Israeli forces amid the ongoing conflict. He returned alongside four other South Africans who had been held in an Israeli prison for six days before their release via Jordan.
Mandla Mandela recounted the ordeal at the airport, where supporters greeted him with Palestinian flags waving in solidarity. “We were handcuffed with cable ties tied tightly behind our backs, taken off our boats, put on the platform and paraded for all … to see,” he said, describing the humiliating treatment. He quickly contextualized the experience, adding, “But it’s nothing compared to what Palestinians have been subjected to on a daily basis,” in reference to Israel’s military offensive against Hamas, which escalated following the Palestinian militant group’s deadly attack on Israel two years ago.
Israel has dismissed the flotilla as a publicity stunt intended to benefit Hamas and has denied mistreating the hundreds of detainees, which included prominent figures like Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. The Israeli government maintains that reports of hunger in Gaza are exaggerated. The incident has drawn international criticism, with South Africa previously calling for the release of the Gaza flotilla activists, including Mandela.
FAQs on Nelson Mandela grandson deportation
What was Mandla Mandela detained for by Israel?
Mandela was detained as part of a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, which Israeli forces intercepted and stopped.
How long were Mandla Mandela and the other South Africans held?
They were held in an Israeli prison for six days before being released via Jordan.
What did Mandla Mandela say about the treatment compared to Palestinians?
He described being handcuffed and paraded but stated, “It’s nothing compared to what Palestinians have been subjected to on a daily basis.”
