PRESS STATEMENT: A South African King and Friend of Palestine has Fallen
15 November 2019
The independent South African human rights and Palestine solidarity NGO, BDS South Africa, joins fellow South Africans in mourning the passing of the AmaXhosa King, His Majesty King Mpendulo Calvin Sigcau, Aah Zwelonke!
King Sigcau was a close ally and friend of the Palestinian struggle. He understood that all leaders, regardless of the hardships their people face and the distance between South Africa and Palestine, have a historic and moral responsibility to internationalism and international solidarity. King Sigcau’s royal house and the kingdom he led, like others, notably the Royal House of Mandela, have been instrumental in ensuring that our people and communities actively support the oppressed peoples of world over, Palestine included.
We fondly recall the King’s recent visit to Palestine in 2015 and his Majesty’s meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas, where he humbly showed his support and solidarity with the Palestinian struggle (click here).
We extend our condolences to the AmaTshawe, the House of Phalo and the entire AmaXhosa community as a whole.
BDS South Africa and the Embassy of Palestine are in conversation with representatives from the Royal house and will be visiting the family to pay our tributes.
ISSUED BY BDS SOUTH AFRICA
National Coordinator, Muhammed Desai, +27 (0) 842119988
National Spokesperson, Tisetso Magama, +27 (0) 614146348
