Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

‘We Were Abducted in International Waters’: SA Flotilla Activists on Israeli Detention Ordeal

Loading player...
Six South Africans detained by Israeli forces while part of the Global Sumud Flotilla have returned home to a hero’s welcome. The activists were among more than 500 peace campaigners from 45 countries attempting to break the blockade on Gaza, when their vessels were intercepted in international waters by Israeli forces last week. They described their detention as “humiliating”, with activist Mandla Mandela recounting how they were handcuffed, blindfolded, and interrogated, with Israeli officials allegedly trying to use his name for political gain. Others remain detained, some on hunger strike as international outcry grows over what’s being labelled an illegal abduction of humanitarian activists. Phemelo speaks to professional and humanitarian worker Dr Zaheera Soomer, who shares her first-hand account of the ordeal and why the mission to support Gaza must continue.
8 Oct 2025 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Legal Matters: eviction, restraint of trade

This week's Legal Matters Nthabiseng Dubazana unpacks key legal issues, including eviction linked to criminal activity, a labour dispute over whether workers were picketing or rehearsing wedding songs, and restraint of trade without a written agreement.
22 Jul 2PM 36 min

SASSA under fire as beneficiaries brave freezing cold for grants

More than 50 people, including pensioners, mothers with children and people with disabilities, spent the night outside SASSA's Bellville office in freezing temperatures just to secure a place in the queue. ActionSA says the scenes expose a failing system and is calling for urgent improvements, while SASSA has responded to…
22 Jul 2PM 22 min

SA women's hockey team shines on the field but battles funding off it

South African hockey player Onthatile "Thati" Zulu has lifted the lid on the financial strain facing the national women's team, revealing that players often have to fund their own World Cup preparations through sponsorships, crowdfunding and personal contributions. Her open letter has reignited the debate around funding for under-supported sports…
22 Jul 2PM 16 min

Parliament questions Treasury over R13.5bn municipal funding freeze

Parliament has grilled National Treasury over its decision to withhold R13.5 billion in funding from struggling municipalities over financial mismanagement and unpaid debts. While 27 councils have had their funding restored and more are expected to receive payments, dozens remain without crucial funds as Treasury insists they meet strict financial…
21 Jul 2PM 13 min

CRL Rights Commission cracks down after 43 initiation deaths this winter

The CRL Rights Commission is stepping up efforts to tackle the ongoing crisis at initiation schools after 43 initiates lost their lives during this year's winter initiation season. The latest figures also reveal dozens of hospitalisations, abductions, illegal schools and criminal cases, prompting the commission to launch a special committee…
21 Jul 2PM 16 min
All episodes