Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, attends the press preview of “Mandela: The Official Exhibition” in London on February 7, 2019. Leon Neal
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Epicstorian News) – Mandela’s grandson, Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela, has returned to South Africa after being deported by Israeli authorities for participating in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
The South African lawmaker said the deportation came after Israeli forces intercepted the vessel en route to deliver humanitarian supplies to Palestinians in Gaza.
Speaking at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, Mandela condemned what he described as Israel’s “unjust blockade” of Gaza and vowed to continue advocating for Palestinian rights.
He said he joined the flotilla in solidarity with the Palestinian people and to honor his grandfather Nelson Mandela’s legacy of global justice.
“I am safe and home now, but my heart remains with those in Gaza who continue to suffer under apartheid-like conditions,” Mandela said upon arrival, surrounded by supporters and members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
Israel’s interior ministry confirmed his deportation, stating that participants in the flotilla had entered Israeli territorial waters without authorization.
Israeli officials said the move was necessary to enforce the country’s security laws and prevent what they described as “provocations.” The ministry’s statement was reported by Al Jazeera.
The Gaza flotilla, organized by an international coalition of activists, aimed to deliver food, medicine, and relief materials to the besieged enclave. Israeli naval forces intercepted the ship in international waters, leading to diplomatic tension between South Africa and Israel.
South Africa’s foreign ministry condemned Israel’s actions, describing the deportation as “unlawful” and “a violation of international norms.”
The government said it would summon Israel’s ambassador in Pretoria to demand an explanation, according to a statement on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation website.
The ANC expressed full support for Mandela, calling him a “symbol of moral courage.” The party reaffirmed its solidarity with Palestinians, a stance rooted in historical parallels between apartheid South Africa and the Israeli occupation.
Mandela said he would continue to campaign for sanctions and international boycotts against Israel until what he called “the illegal occupation and systematic oppression of Palestinians” ends.
He urged the United Nations to take stronger action in holding Israel accountable, echoing sentiments shared by UN bodies on Palestinian rights.
Mandela’s Grandson Condemns Israel’s Blockade and Calls for Global Action
In his statement, Mandela’s grandson said Israel’s continued blockade of Gaza represents “a moral stain on the conscience of the world.”
He urged governments to pressure Israel into ending restrictions on humanitarian access and respecting international law.
He also emphasized the need for African solidarity, saying the continent “cannot remain indifferent” while Palestinians endure collective punishment.
His comments drew praise from rights advocates and pro-Palestinian organizations across Africa and Europe.
Mandela’s Grandson Highlights South Africa’s Role in the Palestinian Struggle
Mandela’s grandson linked South Africa’s anti-apartheid history to the Palestinian cause, noting that both struggles are rooted in resistance against racial segregation and oppression.
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He said South Africa’s support for Palestine was “a moral responsibility born of our own liberation journey.”
