**Rumble in the Jungle: 50 Years Later - How Ali Outmaneuvered Apartheid** Fifty years ago, in a corner of a racially divided South Africa, Muhammad Ali emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His victory in the iconic "Rumble in the Jungle" not only showcased his boxing prowess but also symbolized a defiance against the oppressive regime of apartheid. I first learned about this remarkable boxer from a local man named Cassius, who ran an illegal shebeen across the street from my home. Cassius and his friends kept their hidden stash of beer tucked away in the drains near a corner shop owned by a grumpy Greek man. Whenever my football accidentally landed in their yard, Cassius would retrieve it, often performing a comical display of footwork, slightly tipsy but full of energy. One day, while showing off his skills, he broke into a catchy tune: “Ali, Ali, float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, Ali, Ali, Muhammad Ali.” In a country where racial segregation was the norm, Ali's presence transcended boundaries. His charisma and talent resonated with people from all walks of life, uniting them in admiration for a man who danced not just in the ring, but also around the injustices of his time.