President Ramaphosa Calls on Israel to Release South African Citizens and Others Taken from Flotilla
Pretoria – South Africa has called on Israel to release its citizens and others who were taken during the Flotilla incident.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the Government of Israel to free South Africans and various nationals abducted during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli authorities,” said his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, on Thursday, 2 October 2025.
The flotilla comprises humanitarian vessels intended to deliver aid to Gaza.
President Cyril Ramaphosa remarked that the interception in international waters near Gaza underscores Israel’s ongoing violation of international law and the subsequent suffering, including starvation, endured by the Palestinian people.
Among the South Africans on board the flotilla are Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Zukwswa Wanner, and Reaaz Moolla, with confirmation still awaited regarding the abduction of Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks, and Carrie Shelver.
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President Ramaphosa stated: “The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla represents another serious infringement by Israel against global solidarity and intentions aimed at alleviating suffering in Gaza and fostering peace in the region.
“On behalf of our government and nation, I appeal to Israel to release the South Africans taken in international waters, along with other nationals trying to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“The interception of the flotilla in international waters violates international law and undermines the sovereignty of every nation whose flag was flown on the various vessels in the flotilla.
“This act also ignores an injunction from the International Court of Justice stating that humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow freely.
“South Africa urges Israel to ensure that the life-saving cargo carried by this flotilla reaches the people of Gaza, as the flotilla symbolizes solidarity with Gaza rather than hostility towards Israel.
“South Africa endorses the plea from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for Israel to promptly lift the blockade on Gaza and allow the entry of essential supplies through all available means.
“My thoughts are with all the abductees and their families, and I expect Israel to release the human rights activists, as these abductions serve no meaningful purpose in the pursuit of peace in the Middle East.”
