Today marks the 8th death anniversary of Ahmed Kathrada, a pivotal figure in South Africa's anti-apartheid movement and a symbol of selfless sacrifice
Kathrada died at age 87 after a short illness, following surgery to the brain.
His involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle led to his long-term imprisonment at Robben Island and Pollsmoor Prison following the Rivonia Trial.
After his release in 1990, he was elected to serve as an ANC Member of Parliament. He authored a book, No Bread for Mandela – Memoirs of Ahmed Kathrada, Prisoner No. 468/64.
Today, fellow veterans reflected on his life and contributions, highlighting his enduring legacy.
"I first encountered Ahmed Kathrada at the welcoming home mass rally at the FNB Stadium when Madiba, Kathrada, Walter Sisulu and all of the Rivonia Trialists addressed us at what was a most fascinating experience," recalled Logie Naidoo.
"He gave a wonderful speech about good values, fighting for non-racialism, democracy and a prosperous South Africa. Immediately one saw the qualities he had in the speech he made and the thoughts he reflected about his vision for the new South Africa.
"I was fortunate enough to be with him when he came to La Mercy and stayed with us. It was his first kind-of holiday after Robben Island and he, together with Barbara Hogan, went to the game park for a day drive. It was a great experience for him, coming out of a year in prison.
"I was also privileged when I travelled with him to Hyderabad in India. He was at the Government of India's Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event. He was the chief guest and was driven around to see the sights and sounds of Hyderabad. I had the opportunity to travel with them. I got to know him quite well.
"He was one who struck you as being erudite, value-driven and a committed human-being. He was committed to humanity, not only to bringing about racialism and democracy to South Africa. He was committed to the freedom of all the people throughout the world - the Palestinian cause, the oppression of people in Sri Lanka, and the conflict in Northern Ireland among the different religious groups.
"He reflected and embraced all of these wonderful values that we see in a great leader, a visionary, in someone, who is self-sacrificing and puts people first rather than himself.
"He had no regrets about being part of our freedom struggle and all the trials and tribulations he went through; being away from family, not living a normal life with a wife and children, and making so many sacrifices to get rid of the scourge of apartheid and racism from society. He was a true committed human being."
Naidoo said Kathrada was very much the "quintessential political activist".
"He had no ambitions and did not want to accumulate money and live an extravagant life... He was truly a great leader. Around 1994, Madiba offered him a cabinet position and he turned it down. He was prepared to work in Madiba's office to ensure the presidency was strong and fulfilling its mandate and Madiba got the support he needed being the first president in democratic South Africa...
"Thirty years down the road, we must emulate the Kathradas, the Mandelas, the Sisulus, and the Govan Mbekis, the Billy Nairs because theirs was a selfless contribution without any thoughts about getting freedom at some point, becoming the new government, or enjoying a post in the new cabinet.
"They didn't know when freedom would come but they were prepared to sacrifice their all. For me, Kathrada is the symbol of selfless sacrifice and hope and a person who embraced all of the rich teachings of all of our religions..."
Dr Ismail Vadi said: "It is eight years since the death of Ahmed Kathrada and 31 years into our democracy. At a personal level, I miss him dearly, particularly his great sense of humour. Politically, we miss his wise counsel, his unshakeable commitment to principle, his fearlessness in speaking truth to power, even if it was against his own leaders.
"It was Kathrada’s 'open letter' to former President Jacob Zuma that ignited popular anger in the country against corruption and state capture by the Gupta brothers. It was his public call on Zuma to resign as president that started the ball rolling for the eventual ANC recall of Zuma on February 13, 2018, as head of government. More than that, Kathrada remained until the end as a man of the people – humble, accessible and down to earth."
Siva Naidoo added: "Kathy, as we affectionately knew him, inspired a generation of young activists in the 1970s, including myself, while he was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison. When he was released in 1989, we had the opportunity to get to know the comrade we had long idolised.
"His simplicity, modesty, and humility were his defining characteristics. He demonstrated, time and again, what it means to commit to a cause, to make sacrifices, to serve selflessly, and to speak truth to power. As an elder of the ANC, he constantly reminded us as activists to remain disciplined, to lead by example, to live a values-based life, and to stay connected to the people on the ground. 'The masses are your masters - listen to them,' he would often say, giving real meaning to the principle of servant leadership."At a time when our country faces myriad challenges, Kathy’s voice, wisdom, and counsel are sorely missed. For those of us who cherish his legacy, we owe it to his memory to continue the fight to rebuild an ethical and capable state, free of corruption and all forms of malfeasance."
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation hosted a tribute event this morning.