22 September 2014

It is with deep sadness that the staff, board and volunteers of Boycott Divestment and Sanctions South Africa (BDS South Africa) learn of passing of our dearest comrade and student activist, comrade Yusuf Talia. Cde Talia was part of the larger Palestinian solidarity movement for several years and had led various campaigns to advance the freedom for the people of Palestine. In particular, Talia played an instrumental role in the annual Israeli Apartheid Week campaign.

Comrade Yusuf Talia lead his life in a way that inspired all of us to continue working for a better South Africa, a free Palestine and a more just world - he leaves behind a legacy of being a champion for social justice. We celebrate Comrade Yusuf’s inspirational life and we hope to live out his legacy.

Cde Yusuf Talia held a number of important leadership positions. Many of us at BDS South Africa first grew to know him during his time as a student leader at Wits University where he served as the Vice-President of the SRC in 2009/2010 and an active member of the Wits University Palestine Solidarity Committee. Cde Yusuf also stood out as a leader of the movement for people with disability at Wits and was a founding member of the Disability Week on campus. He also represented student interests on the Higher Education Disability Service Association. Despite his demanding leadership positions and roles, cde Yusuf received two degrees from Wits University. A BComm and a BSc and was currently studying towards an honours degree in Science. He received these degrees with distinction and became a member of the Golden Key Honours Society

One of Cde Yusuf Talia’s last tweets was: “The job isn't done while apartheid still exists in Palestine - Let's maintain our solidarity and keep fighting for justice!”

We will forever remember comrade Yusuf Talia’s inspiration in our fight for justice in Palestine and the rest of the world.
We offer our condolences and strength to Talia family, in particular Yusuf Talia’s younger brother comrade Waseem Talia.

Hamba Kahle, lala ngoxolo, Nkokheli.

ISSUED BY KWARA KEKANA ON BEHALF OF BDS SOUTH AFRICA.