8 December 2013
The South African Communist Party (SACP) is saddened by the passing on of Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala (51), earlier yesterday at the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg. The SACP sends it heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the South African sports fraternity for the loss of the champion, who held two South African titles and four world titles: WBO flyweight, WBO junior flyweight, IBA junior flyweight and WBU junior flyweight.
Baby Jake presented his WBU belt to Tata Madiba, Comrade Nelson Rolihlala Mandela, who attended his farewell fight when he retired from boxing. Matlala`s death came less than two days after Tata Madiba`s, who liked and engaged in boxing in his earlier life and times.
Baby Jake will greatly be missed.
Issued by the SACP, Head Quarters - Johannesburg
Alex Mashilo - National Spokesperson
Mobile: 082 9200 308
Office: 011 339 3621/2
Email: alexmashilo.sacp@gmail.com