Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
04 September 2025 | 10:32 CAT

📸 South Africa’s delegation to the Global Sumud Flotilla: Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Fatima Hendricks, Zaheera Soomar, Jared Sacks, Elham Mouaffak Hatfield, Zukiswa Wanner, Irshaad Ahmed Chotia, Fazel Behra, Nurain Saloojee & Reaaz Moolla.

SA Activist Irshaad Ahmed Chotia is among the South Africans who have joined the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza, a civilian convoy of ships sailing with urgent aid to the Gaza Strip. For Chotia, the mission is more than humanitarian. It is, he says, “a deeply personal stand for justice and humanity.”

Chotia explained that his decision was driven by harrowing images of starving children and families under siege. “When you see the videos going viral of all the kids the Zionists are killing, and the kids are starving, people don’t have food. For me, this was the motivating thing, to take the step to come out, try and get to Gaza, try and end this blockade, and try and establish the humanitarian corridor,” he said.

The activist reflected on South Africa’s legacy of apartheid, noting that while he was too young to have experienced its full brutality, the historical struggle shaped his perspective. “It’s part of our freedom and part of our history. It’s something that we owe back to our country and back to our people,” Chotia added, linking South Africa’s fight against oppression with the plight of Palestinians.

The flotilla, currently undergoing final preparations, faces serious challenges. Organisers have kept exact sailing dates confidential due to sabotage attempts. “They’ve been damaging the boats, apparently poisoning the water supply on the vessels,” Chotia revealed. Despite these threats, he remains hopeful, noting that departure is expected “somewhere around this weekend, inshallah.”

With between 30 and 40 boats expected to set sail, the convoy has attracted participants from across the globe, including Turkey, Indonesia, the Maldives, Mexico and others. The turnout has been so significant that organisers are securing additional vessels to accommodate the numbers.

Participation in such missions, Chotia explained, requires going through recognised aid organisations, which nominate and prepare volunteers. The financial cost of the voyage, he added, is typically covered by donors. “For example, our flotilla, the cost of it was 100,000 euros that was sponsored by a generous sponsor in France,” he confirmed.

As he prepares to embark on the dangerous mission, Chotia remains grounded in faith and solidarity. Radio Islam International extended prayers for his safety, acknowledging the courage of those on board. “We make dua that Allah be with you and may He accept from you this great effort,” said Mufti Yusuf Moosagie.

The flotilla is set to deliver both aid and a strong message: The siege of Gaza must end.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Irshaad Ahmed Chotia.