PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 2 October 2025
Al Jama-ah Calls on South African Government to Demand the Immediate Release of Captured South African Activists by Israeli Occupation Forces
Al Jama-ah strongly condemns the unlawful detention of South African citizens, including former Member of Parliament Mandla Mandela, by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) amid their escalating and brutal occupation of Palestine.
We are outraged that South African activists, who have travelled in solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine, have been captured by a regime that continues to model its apartheid policies after the very system that South Africa overcame just three decades ago.
Who would have thought that in 2025, we would once again be calling for the release of a Mandela?
Just as the apartheid regime in South Africa once imprisoned Nelson Mandela for standing against injustice, today the Israeli apartheid regime has dared to detain Mandla Mandela, his grandson — a man who continues his grandfather’s legacy of championing human rights and liberation for all oppressed peoples.
The parallels are as chilling as they are infuriating. History is repeating itself — but this time, we know better, and we will act.
We call on the South African Government, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), and President Cyril Ramaphosa to:
- Publicly condemn the detention of Mandla Mandela and all South African activists by Israeli occupation forces.
- Summon the Israeli ambassador to account for this gross violation of international law and South Africa’s sovereignty.
- Lead international efforts to secure their immediate and unconditional release.
- Strengthen diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel.
We remind the world: You detained a Mandela before — and the world responded. You will not detain another without consequence.
Al Jama-ah will not remain silent while our comrades, our elected leaders, and our fellow South Africans are targeted for standing with the people of Palestine. We will continue to advocate, to mobilize, and to speak truth to power — whether in Cape Town or Gaza.
#FreeAllPalestinianAndSouthAfricanDetainees #EndIsraeliApartheid
Issued by Asghar Khan On behalf of Al Jama-ah
Media Enquiries: Nisa Hendricks
National Communications Officer
082 613 1917