Following days of detention in an Israeli prison, the South Africans who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla are set to be released and allowed to travel to South Africa via Jordan, according to the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

In a statement released on Monday, the department confirmed the news by the Israeli authorities that they would be released. "We have received confirmation that the individuals in question are scheduled to be released from detention and will be repatriated, departing via Jordan tomorrow morning," it said in a statement.

The South Africans, including Mandla Mandela, grandson of late former President Nelson Mandela, had traveled to Gaza through the flotilla to deliver humanitarian aid to starving Palestinians. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola applauded both local and international efforts that prompted their release.

The flotilla, made up of nearly 50 civilian boats carrying about 500 activists from various countries, had spent time in the waters before being detained by the Israeli authorities.