JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Struggle veteran Ahmed Kathrada thanked the City of Cape Town for nominating him for the Freedom of the City accolade.
Kathrada said that he is both humbled and honoured that the city council voted to award him with the highest honour which it may bestow.
“I am deeply grateful that I have been considered for this accolade, alongside the likes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Madiba, who were both previous recipients,” Kathrada said.
“The fact that all political parties within council voted in favour of Kathrada typifies the unity that he and his generation of leaders represent,” said Neeshan Balton, the director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.
“The Kathrada Foundation expresses its thanks to the City for recognising one of its ‘sons’. While Kathrada these days spends most of his time between Johannesburg and Cape Town, it was the Cape that was “home” to him during his 26-year incarceration. During his parliamentary years, Kathrada also spent a significant amount of time in Cape Town.”
Balton added that the Freedom of the City award was a pleasant surprise for the veteran. “This news is a lovely birthday gift for Kathrada, who turns 86 on Friday, August 21.”
A suitable date and place for the presentation of the Freedom of the City award is yet to be announced.
