South African writers have put out a statement of solidarity on the kidnapping of South African writer Zukiswa Wanner off the coast of Gaza on the night of October 1, 2025.
Statement of Solidarity
As a collective of independent South African writers, we wish to express our support, solidarity and admiration for the courageous actions taken by the individuals who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla. Their attempt to deliver life-saving aid to the people of Gaza, who are facing genocide at the hands of the Israeli state, will stand as a historic moment of citizen led action.
We wish to mention our fellow writer, Zukiswa Wanner, with whom we lost contact on the evening of 1 October 2025, when the boat she was sailing on was likely intercepted by the IDF.
We ask that the South African government take every step to ensure her immediate release and safe passage home, as we request the same for all South Africans who are part of the GSF. We ask the same of all other governments with citizens that are part of the GSF: advocate on behalf of your citizens to ensure their safe passage home.
We remain immensely proud of South Africa’s role in taking Israel to the International Court of Justice, and we now ask for further decisive action to keep all our citizens safe as well as to continue demanding the end of the genocide and the end of the occupation.
Afi Vanessa Appiah
A’Eysha Kassiem
Alistair Mackay
Amber Zoe Small
Amonge Sinxoto
Amy Heydenrych
Andrea Nattrass
Angela Makholwa
Anelia Heese
Anne Schlebusch
Arja Salafranca
Ashraf Kagee
Ashwin Singh
Atiyyah Khan
Azad Essa
Barbara Adair
Barbara Boswell
Ben Choucroun
Bongani Kona
Buhle Ngaba
Busisekile Khumalo
CA Davids
Cayleigh Bright
Charisse Louw
Christa Kuljian
Colleen Higgs
Dani Bowler
Danyela Demir
David Cornwell
David Mann
Dean Hutton
Dela Gwala
Duduzile Zamantungwa Mabaso
Edna Gee
Elana Bregin
Elinor Sisulu
Erika Bornman
Fezokuhle Mthonti
Fiona Zerbst
Flow Wellington
Frankie Murrey
Fred Khumalo
Gabeba Baderoon
Gail Smith
Gakwi Mashego
Gary Cummiskey
Haidar Eid
Hamilton Wende
Haneef Parker
Heidi Grunebaum
Hedley Twidle
Holly Bell Beaton
Honey Makwakwa
Ishay Govender
Jacqui L’Ange
Jabulile Dlamini-Qwesha
Jamil F. Khan
Janine Adams
Janine Jellars
Jane Arabella Burnett
Jayne Bauling
Joanne Hichens
Jozi Harty
Jabulile Dlamini-Qwesha
Karin Jennings
Karen Jeynes
Karabo Kgoleng
Katleho Kano Shoro
Kate Highman
Kate Sidley
Kelly-Eve Koopman
Koleka Putuma
Kopano Maroga
Kharnita Mohamed
Laila Hartley
Lebo Mazibuko
Lesedi Molefi
Leslie Swartz
Lester Walbrugh
Lindiwe Mngxitama
Lucienne Argent
Malebo Sephodi
Malika Ndlovu
Mandisa Haarhoff
Mandla Langa
Maneo Mohale
Margie Orford
Marion Sparg
Mary Watson
Matthew Wilhelm-Solomon
Megan Choritz
Megan Ross
Melinda Ferguson
Mercy Dhliwayo
Mia Arderne
Ming-Cheau Lin
Mishka Hoosen
Mohale Mashigo
Mo Masedi
Nadine Dirks
Na’eem Jeenah
Nala Xaba
Nathi Ngubane
Natalia Molebatsi
Nicky Falkof
Niq Mhlongo
Niren Tolsi
Nyakallo Maleke
Pamela Power
Pearl Squires
PEN South Africa
Peter-Adrian Altini
Pieter Madibuseng Odendaal
Phillippa Yaa de Villiers
Pippa Browning
Pumla Dineo Gqola
Qarnita Loxton
Quraisha Dawood
Raphael d’Abdon
Razina Theba
Relebone Rirhandzu eAfrika
Renee Akitelek Mboya
Rhiyaadh Sarang
Riley Hlatshwayo
Robyn Perros
Rosie Motene
Sarah Frost
Segomotso Palesa Motsumi
Sewela Langeni
Shafinaaz Hassim
Shameez Patel
Shari Daya
Shifra Jacobson
Shubnum Khan
Sindiswa Busuku
Sindi-Leigh Tenielle McBride
Siphokazi Jonas
Sisonke Msimang
Sipholazi Magadla
Siphiwo Mahala
Srila Roy
Stacy Hardy
Stephen Langtry
Sue Nyathi
Tania Haberland
Terry Angelos
Terry-Ann Adams
Thandiwe Nqanda
Tiah Beautement
Tina Redman
Toast Coetzer
T. O. Molefe
Uhuru Phalafala
Valentina Acava
vangile gantsho
Vernon Head
Wardah Wilkinson
Wamuwi Mbao
Welcome Mandla Lishivha
Xoli Madlala
Yewande Omotoso
Zalman S. Davis
Zibu Sithole
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