Members of the Ahlul Bait Foundation of South Africa, a Shia Muslim association, gathered in Cape Town to mourn the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Congregants assembled with candles and Iranian flags, paying tribute in front of a portrait of the late leader and leaving written messages of condolence. His death was reportedly confirmed by Iranian state television following joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.
The development has sparked sharply divided reactions globally. While some communities expressed grief and anger, others — including sections of the Iranian diaspora — reacted with celebration. In Cape Town, community leaders described him as a symbol of resistance and sovereignty, condemning the military action that led to his death.
The situation continues to draw international attention amid ongoing regional tensions.
