Celebrating the hero, Muhammad Ali (1942-2016)

04 June 2016 The human rights and Palestine solidarity organisation BDS South Africa joins the peace-loving peoples of the world in mourning the loss and celebrating the life of boxing legend and activist, Muhammad Ali.

Ali is an inspiration for those us fighting for justice – be it in the struggle against racial injustice, economic exploitation or Israeli Apartheid.

According to news reports, in 1984 already, the former heavyweight boxing champion told a press conference in Beirut, that “the United States is the stronghold of Zionism and imperialism.” On a later visit to two Palestinian refugee camps Muhammad Ali is quoted as saying: “I declare support for the Palestinian struggle to liberate their homeland.”

Ali’s determination and commitment to civil rights, anti-imperialism and social justice motivated many of our people (and our international allies) in the anti-apartheid movement. Today Ali inspires many Palestinians (and us their international allies) in the struggle and boycott of Israeli Apartheid.

Muhammad Ali – our champ, the peoples champ,  the champ.

Hamba Kahle, Comrade Muhammad Ali. Lala Ngoxolo.

ISSUED BY KWARA KEKANA ON BEHALF OF BDS SOUTH AFRICA