The six South African activists who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla received a heroes welcome at the OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park.

Israel faced global pressure to release the activists whose vessels were intercepted on their way to Gaza.

They took part in the global voyage with their counterparts from over 40 countries, to highlight the plight of the Palestinians. But Israeli authorities have labelled the move a publicity stunt.

The activists were greeted with sheer jubilation at the OR Tambo International Airport.

“These are Zionist forces that know nothing but brutal violence. They came into our room, attacked two women outside our door.  We were trying to get mattresses in our rooms. They came back with approximately 35 soldiers. We had riffles pointed at our foreheads, backed against the room to take out, forcibly, two of our comrades to solitary confinement,” says activist Dr Fatima Hendricks.

Activists say they were subjected to harsh treatment. South African authorities say they will look into the matter.

“Government made a zero contribution to the flotilla initiative. It is a civilian led initiative of NGOs. It is led by the NGO sector in South Africa. And as Chief Nksoi Mandla Mandela had said, he detailed how they got the funding. All we did was to ensure that we facilitate their release diplomatically and ensure that its coordinated with all our offices in the Middle East region,” says Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri.

They have also vowed to continue calling for the atrocities in Gaza to end.

Video: Global Sumud Flotilla | Mandela and other activists return home