By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GettyImages.
The Department of International Relations and Corporation (DIRCO) on Monday confirmed that South African activists detained last week in Israel will be released tomorrow.
Among the South Africans confirmed to have been on board flotilla are Mandla Mandela, grandson of the late former president Nelson Mandela; writer and cultural activist Zukiswa Wanner and activist Reaaz Moolla.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), comprising around 45 boats, began its journey to Gaza last month, in an effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and break Israel’s siege on the region. The group included more than 500 activists, volunteers and politicians from 47 countries, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
The GSF was the largest flotilla yet to try to break Israel’s blockade.
In a statement, Dirco said, “They have been notified by the Israeli authorities regarding the status of the South African citizens who participated in the recent Global Flotilla Initiative.”
“We have received confirmation that the individuals in question are scheduled to be released from detention and will be repatriated, via Jordan tomorrow morning.”
The department added that, “Minister Ronald Lamola extends gratitude to all relevant parties, both domestically and internationally, for their corporation and coordination in ensuring the return of the South African citizens.”
Israel has so far deported at least 170 of the more than 450 activists it detained. The government has faced accusations of mistreatment, including allegations that some activists were denied access to their lawyers – claims that the foreign ministry denies.
Meanwhile the South African Medical Association has suspended its relationship with the Israeli Medical Association (IMA).
SAMA vice-chairperson Dr Zanele Bikitsha said, they had held broad deliberations to discuss its relationship with the IMA and reached a decision to terminate its alliance with it.
Sama also wants the IMA to be suspended from the World Medical Association.
“Sama has resolved to immediately suspend all professional and bilateral relations with the Israeli medical association and calls for the suspension of the IMA from the World Medical Association, Bikitsha said.”
She added they would not participate in the Declaration of Taipei working group while the IMA presided over it as its chair.
“These resolutions reflect Sama’s commitment to upholding medical ethics, human rights, and the sanctity of healthcare work in conflict situations, in line with the principles of the World Medical Association and international humanitarian law.”