WATCH: DIRCO condemns Israel for flotilla interception

20 May 2026

photo-collage.png (7) — These images are snippets from footages of three different vessels part of the Global Sumud Flotilla that was intercepted this week.

The International Relations Department (DIRCO) has condemned the illegal seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla, with South African nationals on board.

The flotilla of about 50 ships was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza but was intercepted on international waters near Cyprus on Monday.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said on social media that Israeli military vessels intercepted, with reports that forces opened fire on some boats.

📹 Las fuerzas israelíes abren fuego contra los últimos barcos de la flotilla https://t.co/fK7gy89sAR pic.twitter.com/f1o5LHwTMm
— EL PAÍS (@el_pais) May 19, 2026

Israeli authorities said 430 activists part of the flotilla are being transferred to Israel. According to reports, one of those activists includes South African humanitarian ambassador Faizel Moosa.

Another PR flotilla has come to an end. All 430 activists have been transferred to Israeli vessels and are making their way to Israel, where they will be able to meet with their consular representatives.
This flotilla has once again proved to be nothing more than a PR stunt at…
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) May 19, 2026

DIRCO said it is concerned for the South Africans on board who have been abducted and could be facing detention or imprisonment in Israel.

“Such developments raise serious humanitarian, legal and diplomatic concerns that cannot be treated lightly. South Africa has a longstanding commitment to international law, the protection of human rights and the safety and well-being of its citizens wherever they may be.”

It has called for the immediate protection of all concerned.

“The safety, security and physical integrity of all unarmed participants aboard the Flotilla, including South African citizens, are of paramount importance. Any forceful detention of these vessels in international waters constitutes a grave breach of international legal norms and fundamental human rights.”

DIRCO highlighted that the flotilla is a civilian-led and peaceful mission, which is raising awareness on the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people.

As such, it called on the international community to, in their capacity, uphold the safe passage of humanitarian missions.

A flotilla with several South Africans, including Mandla Mandela, had been intercepted last year as well.

ALSO READ: Calls for release of Global Sumud Flotilla members detained by Israel – Smile 90.4FM

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WATCH: South Africa wins gold and Best in Show at Chelsea Flower Show!

Smile Staff Reporter

20 May 2026

South Africa’s exhibit at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show has once again captured international attention, winning both a gold medal and the coveted Best in Show award for its striking “Life after Fire” display.

The garden, created by a team led by renowned horticulturist Leon Kluge, celebrates the resilience and regeneration of the country’s unique Fynbos biome after devastating wildfires.

In a video recorded shortly after the medal announcement, Kluge described the journey to the show as “a roller coaster”.

“We had so many floods in South Africa, lots of rain, snow on the farms where we needed to harvest all of these flowers, and at some point we didn’t know whether we were actually going to get to Chelsea,” he said.

But when the team arrived at the Grand Pavilion on Tuesday morning, they were met with the news they had hoped for.

“It’s a gold medal,” one team member announced in the video, sparking celebrations among the South African delegation.

Kluge said the display was about far more than flowers.

“It is a celebration of our flowers in South Africa. It’s a celebration of our fire-driven ecosystem, which is so special.”

The exhibit features burnt Protea skeletons, charred wood and streams flowing through emerging plant life, symbolising the natural recovery process after fire. Some of the burnt wood used in the display came from farms damaged during last year’s fires in the Western Cape.

Kluge explained that the installation aimed to educate international audiences about the importance of preserving South Africa’s biodiversity.

“It’s showing people how important it is to maintain our flora, to have a healthy ecosystem,” he said.

The project required weeks of planning and construction, with Kluge praising the many growers, sponsors and partners who helped bring the exhibit to life despite difficult conditions.

“It’s a very special moment for all of us here at the show. The reward speaks for itself.”

Kluge dedicated the win to South Africans and the country’s rich floral heritage.

“This one is for South Africa. It’s for all our flowers.”

The award-winning display will be recreated in Stanford from 12 to 24 September.

Concerns raised over recent Cape Flats mass shootings

Danielle Mentoor

19 May 2026

The Cape Flats Safety Forum has raised concerns and called for a comprehensive strategy to combat ongoing gang violence, as communities continue to suffer amid a surge in deadly shootings.

In the most recent incident in Mitchells Plain, an 18-year-old male sustained fatal gunshot wounds to his body during a shooting incident in Beacon Valley on Monday night. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.

According to police, three males and a female between 33 and 40 were also left wounded and transported to a medical facility for treatment.

Mitchell’s Plain police responded to a complaint of a shooting on the corner of Hengelaar and Cricket Streets, Beacon Valley. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and arrests are yet to be made.

Meanwhile, Steenberg police registered murder and attempted cases for investigation following a shooting incident on Monday afternoon in which a 30-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded, and a 33-year-old male and a 39-year-old female were wounded.

Police members reportedly responded to a complaint of a shooting, and upon arrival on the scene, they found the victims with gunshot wounds to their bodies.

The 30-year-old victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the other victims were transported to a medical facility for treatment. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and arrests are yet to be made.

This all follows a mass shooting incident in Wesbank at the weekend. According to preliminary police information, three adult women and one adult man sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were declared deceased on the scene. A seven-year-old child was also injured and transported to a nearby medical facility for medical treatment.

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, strongly condemned the horrific Wesbank shooting incident.

“This loss of life is absolutely senseless. I am outraged that a young child has yet again been caught in the crossfire of this senseless violence. The psychological and emotional impact of witnessing and surviving such an incident has long-lasting consequences for the minor involved, the grieving families, and the broader community,” added Marais

WCED Assesses Damage After Severe Weather Hits Schools

Loushe Jordaan-Gilbert

19 May 2026

Severe weather has left a trail of disruption across the Western Cape, forcing several schools to close and damaging infrastructure in others.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that 11 schools, mainly in the Cape Winelands, Eden, and Central Karoo districts will remain closed for the rest of the week, as access roads to these schools remain blocked.

WCED MEC David Maynier confirmed that the affected learners will be given the opportunity to catch up on all missed academic work.

“We expect that they will remain closed for the rest of the week and will make arrangements for learners to catch up the missed schoolwork,” Maynier added.

Maynier said that although many schools have reopened, around 60 have reported damage and are still being assessed for urgent repairs.

“We also have about 60 schools that have reported damage requiring assistance from the department, and these are currently being assessed for repairs. These schools have, however, made arrangements to be open,” he said.

Future 50: Supahot Geysers

Mileanne Kabwe

19 May 2026

From Gauteng innovation to nationwide impact.

On Future 50, powered by FNB Business, we profile Supahot Geysers, a proudly South African manufacturer built on determination, innovation, and a commitment to quality water heating solutions.

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