Andrew Mlangeni pays tribute to Ahmed Kathrada

One of only two former Rivonia Trialists still alive, Andrew Mlangeni, has paid a glowing tribute to his fellow trialist and Robben Islander, Ahmed Kathrada, on the occasion of his death.

“Our bond of solidarity has been a glue that held us together in the dark and trying times of our struggle to survive an evil system. The chain of values we cherished together remains a light to brighten the road ahead with unbending principles,” Mlangeni said.

“You have been an exemplary leader and fellow traveller of this journey to deepen nonracialism with discipline, honour and uprightness. Your ethical leadership is a testimony of a life lived well. You will always be on my mind big brother.”

Until Kathrada, 87, died in the early hours of Tuesday morning at Donald Gordon Medical Centre in Johannesburg, he, Mlangeni and Goldberg were the only three remaining of the ANC leaders arrested at a Rivonia farm outside Johannesburg by apartheid security forces in 1961. Kathrada had been admitted at the centre following the surgery he underwent relating to a blood clot on the brain earlier this month.

As condolences continue to pour in for Kathrada’s family and relatives, different organisations had paid glowing tributes to him, with City of Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba saying he was a great loss to the city and the country.

Gauteng Premier David Makhura said Kathrada would remain the “greatest inspiration” to all South Africans.

Kathrada was awarded Freeman of the City of Johannesburg in August 2012 for his contribution to South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy and for his exceptional involvement in the betterment of the city.

“Uncle Kathy was undeniably a living institute of morality and ethical leadership, and worked tirelessly to ensure a better South Africa for all. He showed us in his tireless efforts that morality is lived out in our everyday tasks,” Mashaba said.

The mayor said his administration would not allow Kathrada’s great legacy to be tarnished by permitting an environment of corruption and carelessness in the government.

“In Johannesburg, we commit to protecting Uncle Kathy’s legacy by working tirelessly towards ensuring that our residents get the best services as well as the freedom and opportunities to be the best that they can be, which is what Uncle Kathy and many others lived and eventually died for,” the mayor said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Barbara, his family, loved ones and comrades during this difficult time,” he said.

Makhura paid tribute to Kathrada, who he said would remain the “greatest inspiration” to all South Africans.

“Uncle Kathy had lived a life of dedication to fellow human beings. He served the ANC and the country with humility and always led with dignity. His values will always inform the work we do for the people,” said Makhura.

The PAC has added its voice to pay tribute to the former Robben Island prisoner.

“Uncle Kathy inspired confidence in all South Africans from young to old during both apartheid and democratic order,” said PAC national spokesperson Kenneth Mokgatlhe.

“He have worked very closely with many Robben Islanders and PAC leaders such as Zephania Mothopeng, Robert Sobukwe and any others in a bid to dismantle apartheid regime. He was a fearless man who identified himself with marginalised African dispossessed. He remains an inspiration to us,” Mokgatlhe said.

ANC Youth League secretary-general Njabulo Nzuza expressed the league’s deep sadness to Kathrada, who was a recipient of the ANC’s top honour Isithwalandwe/Seaparankwe award in 1992.

“The movement drew inspiration and wisdom from Cde Kathy till his last breath, we are left naked and stripped of our reservoir of revolutionary knowledge with the passing of our icon,” Nzuza said.

The Thabo Mbeki Foundation said due to his commitment to principle, Kathrada consciously refused to be broken by harassment, torture, imprisonment and the threat of much worse.

“We are deeply encouraged that Comrade Kathy remained committed to principle to the end. As we remember a life so well-lived, we cannot but reflect on the valuable counsel Comrade Kathy conveyed to all of us while he lived, including and in particular, the importance of promoting the understanding that leaders exist to serve the people rather than to cultivate their personal interests.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to Comrade Kathy’s partner Comrade Barbara Hogan, his wider family of comrades and friends.”

– ericn@citizen.co.za