The Role Of The Islamic Community Against Apartheid In Afsel Kembal Raised By President Cyril Ramaphosa

Afsel President Cyril Ramaphosa (Source: Commons Wikimedia)

JAKARTA - President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his latest speech called Islam has a rich and proud history in South Africa (Afsel). Ramaphosa acknowledged the contribution of the Muslim community in the fight against apartheid.

The apartheid resistance led Afsel to the democratic system in 1994. "We know that this (Muslim) community paid a heavy price for its resistance (to apartheid). But even so they stand up against," Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa delivered that while speaking with leaders of the South African Muslim community in Athlone, Cape Town, quoted Yeni Safak, Monday, May 10.

"Our history affirms the struggle of this (Muslim) community against centuries-old intolerance of tradition, against disrespect for customs, and against attacks of evil and chaos," he added.

Historically, many Afsel Muslims were part of the anti-apartheid struggle. Ahmed Kathrada, for example.

Ahmed Kathrada was even imprisoned along with South Africa's first black President, Nelson Mandela. Other figures such as Dullah Omar, known as an anti-apartheid activist, lawyer and cabinet minister, served from 1994 to 2004.