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 liberate South Africans and various nationals abducted during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli forces,” said his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, on Thursday, 2 October 2025.
The flotilla consists of humanitarian vessels intended to provide aid to Gaza.
President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that the interception in international waters near Gaza reflects Israel’s continuous violation of international law and the resulting hardships, including starvation, suffered by the Palestinian people.
Among the South Africans on the flotilla are Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Zukwswa Wanner, and Reaaz Moolla, with confirmation still pending regarding the abduction of Zaheera Soomar, Fatima Hendricks, and Carrie Shelver.
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President Ramaphosa remarked: “The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla is yet another significant violation by Israel against global solidarity and efforts aimed at alleviating suffering in Gaza and fostering peace in the region.
“On behalf of our government and nation, I call on Israel to release the South Africans taken in international waters, as well as other nationals striving to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“The interception of the flotilla in international waters contravenes international law and undermines the sovereignty of every nation represented by the flags on the various vessels in the flotilla.
“This action 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 a confrontation with Israel.
“South Africa stands with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the call for Israel to urgently lift the blockade on Gaza and permit the entry of essential supplies by all possible 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 beneficial purpose in the pursuit of peace in the Middle East.”