Mandela’s grandson says Palestinian plight exceeds South African apartheid
Mandla Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, has stated that the situation faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation is more severe than the apartheid experienced by Black South Africans.
He made these remarks while preparing to join a flotilla aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite an Israeli naval blockade.
Mandela, aged 51, emphasized that many who have visited the occupied Palestinian territories have concluded that Palestinians are enduring a “far worse form of apartheid” than what South Africa experienced.
READ ALSO: South Africa’s Ramaphosa faces off against Trump, rebuffs claims of white genocide
He urged the international community to continue its support for Palestinians, drawing a parallel to the global solidarity shown to South Africa during its apartheid era.
This comparison highlights the ongoing debate and differing perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel has consistently rejected such comparisons, asserting that its policies are for security purposes and not based on racial discrimination.
However, critics, including Mandla Mandela, argue that the occupation, economic blockade, and restrictions on movement imposed on Palestinians constitute a system akin to apartheid.
The World Food Programme has reported widespread starvation and famine in Gaza, further underscoring the humanitarian crisis in the region, which the flotilla Mandla Mandela is joining seeks to address.
Mandla Mandela is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes participants from 44 countries, including notable figures like Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
