DIRCO confirms 6 SA flotilla activists detained by Israel to return home on Tuesday morning

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said that six South African flotilla activists detained by Israel will return to South Africa on Tuesday morning.

The activists, who include Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, are returning to South Africa after being detained by the Isreali government while delivering aid to war-ravaged Gaza.

DIRCO said on Monday that they’d been formally notified by Israeli authorities on the status of the six South African citizens who participated in the recent global flotilla initiative.

The operation saw more than 470 activists from around the world detained by Israel.

The department had also earlier indicated that the detainees were in "good health and in high spirits" before their repatriation.

DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri: "The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has been formally 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, departing via Jordan tomorrow morning. Minister Lamola extends his gratitude to all relevant parties, both domestically and internationally, for their cooperation and coordination in ensuring the return of the South African citizens."