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Mandela name co-opted in controversial visit

Two of Nelson Mandela's granddaughters have sparked controversy with a "humanitarian" visit to Israel, a trip described as a PR exercise that starkly contrasts with the family's legacy and South Africa's pro-Palestinian stance.

by Zahid Jadwat

In a move that has raised eyebrows, Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway and Zamaswazi (Swati) Dlamini-Mandela undertook a five-day tour of Israel. The trip was organised by pro-Israeli groups. While they claimed the mission was “not political,” their visit has been heavily criticised.

 

Critics see it as an attempt to use the revered Mandela name to legitimise the Israeli narrative. Their visit directly opposes the position of their cousin, Mandla Mandela, and the South African government.

 

The sisters’ itinerary was carefully managed. It included a visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz and meetings with hostage families. They described these moments as “heart-wrenching.” However, their journey has been slammed as a one-sided “propaganda” tour. This tour largely ignored the Palestinian perspective and the ongoing occupation.

 

SMread: Gaza ceasefire holds amid aid crisis and delays

 

A ‘humanitarian’ mission under fire

The granddaughters’ claims of a humanitarian focus have been met with scepticism. While they helped distribute aid near the Kerem Shalom crossing, Dlamini-Manaway’s comment that perceptions of aid blockades were untrue caused outrage.

 

She claimed the idea that not enough aid was getting into Gaza “couldn’t be further from the truth.” This statement contradicts reports from numerous international aid organisations which have have documented severe restrictions and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

 

By engaging in this visit, the sisters have allowed the Mandela legacy to be instrumentalised. Their actions provide a PR victory for Israeli lobby groups and creates a confusing counter-narrative to the strong solidarity between the South African liberation struggle and the Palestinian cause. The use of the Mandela name in this context is seen by many as a betrayal of the principles their grandfather stood for.

 

Image credit: Gaza Humanitarian Foundation/X.

 

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