A message of solidarity from Reverend Frank Chikane, Chairperson of the South African chapter of the Anti-Apartheid Movement, has been sent to the Global Sumud Flotilla, which reported two separate drone attacks on its vessels within 24 hours while moored in Tunisia.
The flotilla, which includes a South African delegation and activist Greta Thunberg, aims to break the Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In a letter dated 9 September 2025, Rev. Chikane, a veteran of the South African liberation struggle, praised the mission’s “non-violent humanitarian action,” stating it stands in “stark contrast to the violence of the Zionist regime.” He conveyed that the participants carry the “hopes of Nelson Mandela and all our struggle ancestors,” assuring them they are in the “hearts of many South Africans.”
The message of support comes as the flotilla faces significant challenges. Organisers reported that one of its boats, the Alma, was struck by an incendiary device dropped from a drone on Wednesday morning in the port of Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia. This followed a similar incident involving another vessel, the Family, a day earlier. While no one was harmed, the Alma sustained fire damage to its top deck.
SMread: Tunisia denies drone strike on Gaza aid vessel
Attacks and international response
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) released video footage and images of what it described as a “charred electronic device” recovered from the deck, suggesting the vessel was deliberately targeted. The group stated that despite the attacks, which they called an “orchestrated attempt to distract and derail our mission,” their “peaceful voyage” will continue with “determination and resolve.”
The incidents have drawn international attention. Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, noted that video evidence suggested a drone attack. The Tunisian interior ministry, however, has denied that the first incident was a drone strike, claiming a fire broke out on the vessel itself.
The flotilla, supported by delegations from 44 countries, is preparing to sail towards Gaza to challenge the blockade imposed by Israel in 2007. Organisers have vowed they will not be deterred, with activist Thiago Ávila stating, “We know what’s happening is outrageous, but it’s nothing compared to what Palestinians have endured… That’s why we keep going.”
Rev. Chikane’s message concluded with a powerful invocation of South Africa’s own history, stating, “From every river to every sea, Palestine will be free. Amandla!”
Image:
CCTV footage captures fire erupting on flotilla for Gaza. [ABC News]
