Royal Diplomacy: Mandela Family Expresses Gratitude to Prince Estifanos Matewos, World Leaders for Securing Release of Mandla Mandela

By Iyojo Ameh

In a statement released on behalf of the Mandela family, Ndileka Mandela has expressed profound gratitude to His Imperial Highness Prince Estifanos Matewos of Ethiopia for his “gracious and benevolent support” in facilitating the release of Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela and his companions.

Royal brotherhood in action. His Imperial Highness Prince Estifanos Matewos [Left] and His Royal Highness Nkosi Zwelivelile ‘Mandla’ Mandela [Right] bonded by heritage, compassion, and Africa’s spirit of unity.

According to the statement, Prince Estifanos, a close family friend and respected global leader, responded swiftly to the family’s call for assistance following news of Mandla Mandela’s capture. The family revealed that they had appealed to the Ethiopian royal to leverage his extensive international network of influential world leaders, agencies, and institutions to help negotiate the safe release of Mandla and his colleagues.

His Majesty the King of Jordan

“We first and foremost thank God for answering our prayers for the safe return of my brother Mandla,” the statement read. “Our gratitude also goes out to His Imperial Highness Prince Estifanos Matewos for his immediate response and intervention.”

Ndileka Mandela also extended appreciation to His Majesty the King of Jordan, the Presidency of South Africa, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Her Excellency the Ambassador of Palestine to South Africa, as well as members of the international community, civil society organisations, activist groups, family, and friends who stood in solidarity with the family during the ordeal.

The statement concluded with renewed appreciation to all who contributed to the successful release and safe return of Mandla Mandela and his fellows.

Recall that Mandla Mandela was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led humanitarian mission en route to Gaza intended to deliver relief in the face of the ongoing conflict.

In the early hours of October 2, Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters, detaining several delegates, including Mandela. The interception reportedly involved the use of drones and water cannons, and those aboard were forced from their vessels and held by Israeli authorities.

During their detention, Mandela and the other South African activists spent six days in an Israeli prison before being deported via Jordan. Mandela later recounted that detainees were handcuffed with cable ties, paraded publicly, and treated harshly — though he noted that their experience paled in comparison to the suffering endured daily by civilians in Gaza.

In a prerecorded message made before the interception, Mandela warned:

“If you are receiving this video, it means that we have been intercepted and have been abducted by the state of apartheid Israel.”

Despite their ordeal, Mandela and the other detainees affirmed their commitment to peaceful humanitarian work in Gaza and called on the South African government and the international community to uphold international law and protect rights of civilians.

Further appreciation was extended to His Majesty the King of Jordan, the Presidency of South Africa, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Her Excellency the Ambassador of Palestine to South Africa, as well as members of the international community, civil society organisations, activist groups, and friends of the Mandela family who rallied in solidarity during the ordeal.

Nkosi Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela—whose traditional title “Nkosi” means chief, king, or lord in isiXhosa and isiZulu—was among delegates of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led humanitarian mission bound for Gaza to deliver aid amid the ongoing conflict.

Royal-to-Royal Diplomacy

His Imperial Highness Prince Estifanos Matewos, President of the United Africa Royal Assembly, played a central role in the diplomatic intervention that led to Mandela’s release. Through coordination with the King of Jordan, royal-to-royal diplomatic channels were activated to facilitate negotiations and secure the delegation’s safe passage through the Kingdom of Jordan.

The gesture displayed the enduring bonds of solidarity among traditional and royal institutions across Africa and beyond—an alliance that proved vital in bringing the South African royal and his companions home safely.

Royal Diplomacy also known as Soft Power Diplomacy through Royal Channels remains a powerful and often understated channel of engagement. Rooted in heritage, respect, and mutual recognition, royal networks transcend political cycles and national borders thereby enabling dialogue where formal diplomacy may face limitations.

When aligned with government efforts, these royal diplomatic channels can foster trust, open doors for cultural and humanitarian collaboration, and strengthen people-to-people relations that underpin sustainable peace and development