Historic Global Sumud Flotilla aims to break Gaza's blockade

South Africa’s Palestine solidarity activists have embarked on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a historic international coalition representing 44 countries, aiming to deliver lifesaving humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The civilian fleet, now mobilising more than 40 ships, is the largest maritime effort since Israel’s blockade of Gaza began in 2007.

The flotilla has faced threats from Israeli National Security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has falsely labelled participants as “terrorists” and warned of boat seizures.

Organisers strongly condemned these threats, calling them a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, noting that Israel has long used such tactics to criminalise, brutalise, and silence peaceful protests and humanitarian solidarity with Palestinians.

The flotilla’s organisers emphasised that it is a lawful humanitarian mission, carrying urgently needed food, water, and medical supplies to Palestinians enduring famine, a spiraling health crisis, and systematic dehumanisation caused by Israel’s illegal siege.

The South African delegation, which has already set sail, is expected to collect Mandla Mandela in Tunis before meeting other international vessels in international waters.

Delegates include activists, health professionals, journalists, writers, and ordinary citizens acting in solidarity with Palestinians.

Among them are Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, amaThembu Chief of Mvezo Traditional Council, a leading advocate for Palestinian liberation who has marched to Gaza, called for sanctions on Israel, and continues his grandfather Nelson Mandela’s legacy of solidarity.

More flotilla occupants includes Reaaz Moola, 54, a community leader and chairperson of a local welfare committee; Nurain Saloojee, a 22-year-old audiologist and youth activist; Dr Jared Sacks, activist, writer, and legal advocate; Zukiswa Wanner, award-winning writer and cultural activist; Elham Mouaffak Hatfield, a humanitarian and mother of two; Dr Fatima Hendricks, occupational therapist, author, educator and cancer survivor; Fazel Behra, entrepreneur and humanitarian; Dr Zaheera Soomar, international social impact and humanitarian leader; Irshaad Ahmed Chothia, father and wood industry professional; and Jo Bluen, academic, writer, activist, and legal observer traveling on the support boat to document human rights compliance and provide real-time legal analysis.

Each participant carries a personal commitment to justice, grounded in decades of activism, professional expertise, and lived experience.

Their involvement reflects the conscience of a nation whose struggle against apartheid was strengthened by global solidarity, now returned to the Palestinians.

At the launch of the Global Sumud Flotilla in Johannesburg on 31 August, Mandela recalled South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, highlighting the crucial role of frontline African states such as Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and Tanzania, and referencing the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale in Angola, where these states and Palestinians stood alongside South Africans.

He declared: “Africa will rise again for our brothers and sisters in Palestine. It is our duty to pick up the baton from our fallen heroes. We say that we are the generation that will stand with Palestine.”

Mandela also reflected on the importance of mass mobilisation. 

“This one comes with more ships, which we have been able to mobilise over 40 ships, with 44 countries participating. And we are very optimistic, and the mood is very high.

"From our own experience in South Africa, we had to mobilise the entire masses. The only way to do so was to rid ourselves of partisan ways and come under one umbrella. Mass mobilisation is not only viewed internally in waging an internal struggle, it also speaks internationally.

"We effectively did that with the frontline states, with the African continent, and the global community through the anti-apartheid movement. This is why we as South Africans continue to share those stories and experiences with our Palestinian counterparts, so that we can be able to fully mobilise the global community," said Mandela.

The flotilla carries not only essential aid but also a powerful message of solidarity and hope. Dr Gabor Maté, renowned physician and author, said, “This flotilla is a gesture of support; it is a gesture of open-heartedness of human solidarity. To all those participating, thank you.”

Delegates from South Africa join comrades from Malaysia, Brazil, Morocco, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, the United States, and many other countries in a non-violent act of defiance against the illegal siege that has strangled life in Gaza for nearly two decades.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is legal under international law and justified by the International Court of Justice's provisional measures; any attempt to intercept it would constitute an act of piracy.

By sailing together, defying fear and repression, participants remind the world that justice cannot be blockaded.

The flotilla carries not only supplies but also the voices of millions who refuse to look away, sending a message to Palestinians: you are not alone.

The mission affirms humanity in the face of brutality, underscores the power of global solidarity, and insists that the blockade, starvation, and systematic dehumanisation must end.

It is a journey not just across the sea, but to the conscience of the world, a declaration that Palestine will be free, and that silence in the face of genocide is not an option.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za