PRESS RELEASE
NO EMBARGO
10 July 2024
AL JAMA-AH mourns the death of a vociferous anti-apartheid community activist, Frank Van der Horst former president of SACOS:
Al Jama-ah Party is deeply saddened by the sudden death of Mr Frank Van der Horst, a former president of SACOS (South African Council on Sport) who passed away on Tuesday, 08 July 2024 in Cape Town.
Van der Horst, who was 86 years-old, served as president of SACOS from 1982 to 1988. SACOS was formed during the dark days of apartheid in opposition to discrimination in sports and the entire oppressive system. The sport organization rallied black sport clubs and federations under the slogan “No Normal Sports in an Abnormal Society.”
He was a highly disciplined activist and fought hard for non-racial sport among the oppressed communities during apartheid. Despite his age, Van der Horst still had a fiery mind and was guest speaker at several events where he continued to address some of the ongoing challenges the marginalized communities are experiencing. He continued to raise concerns over the lack of sport activities in many communities which led to a rise in delinquency and criminal behaviour.
Van der Horst was a regular visitor at the District Six house of the mother of Al Jama-ah’s President Deputy Minister of Social Development Hon Ganief Hendricks. According to Hendricks, Van der Horst offered his late mother assistance when she hosted sports teams who refused to be split up as at the time – during apartheid – hotels did not accommodate ‘mixed-race’ teams.
“He was a true leader who cared for the oppressed and marginalized communities. We will surely miss his aura but is assured that he has left behind a great legacy for others to continue establishing sport organisations and events in communities where most needed,” says Professor Muhammed Haron, CEO of Al Jama-ah.
For interviews contact:
Ms Sinazo Mtshengu
Cell: 078 512 3186