Nelson Mandela's Grandson Says He Will Join Global Sumud Flotilla

Mandla Mandela, grandson of South Africa’s anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, announced on Friday, September 5, that he will join the Global Sumud Flotilla.

The humanitarian mission seeks to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza by delivering aid and raising international awareness of the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Speaking to journalists in Tunis, Mandela emphasized the importance of Africa’s solidarity with Palestine. “We particularly chose, as the South African delegation, to join the Global Sumud Flotilla here in Tunisia from an African point to say: Africa is part of this struggle,” he said.

He drew a parallel between South Africa’s history of oppression and the Palestinian struggle. “As Africans, we know very well what it means to live under occupation, under oppression,” Mandela added, underscoring the moral duty of African nations to stand with Gaza.

The Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, which was initially set to depart last Thursday but was delayed due to bad weather, is now expected to set sail on Sunday. Organizers have yet to confirm the exact place and time of departure. The Tunisian flotilla will join other boats that have already left from Spain and Italy, forming a larger coalition of vessels bound for Gaza.

According to organizers, around 100 activists have registered to join the Tunisian delegation, representing a diverse mix of voices united in calling for an end to the blockade. Their goal is not only to deliver aid but also to send a powerful message of global resistance against the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Mandla Mandela’s participation adds significant symbolic weight to the mission, linking South Africa’s historic fight against apartheid to the Palestinian struggle. His presence highlights the deep-rooted connections between liberation movements across continents and reinforces the call for justice and freedom in Palestine.