South Africa mourns Ahmed Kathrada’s passing
The 87-year-old was admitted into hospital on Monday.
STRUGGLE stalwart, Ahmed Kathrada has died after a brief illness. The Kathrada Foundation confirmed that the 87-year-old passed away at the Donald Gordon Hospital on Tuesday morning. In a statement this morning, The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation said it was deeply saddened by his passing.
Kathrada passed away peacefully after a short period of illness, following surgery to the brain.
Neeshan Balton, Executive Director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, confirmed that the anti-apartheid struggle veteran “breathed his last today”.
“This is great loss to the ANC, the broader liberation movement and South Africa as a whole. Internationally, he was staunch in his support for the Palestinian struggle. ‘Kathy’ was an inspiration to millions in different parts of the world,” said Balton.
Kathrada, best known for his dedication to fighting oppression and ensuring the freedom of the black masses began his political career at the age of 17.
After becoming a member of the African National Congress (ANC), he was arrested in 1963, alongside seven others, which included Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu, after a police raid on a meeting at the Lilliesleaf Farm in Rivonia.
The trial, famously known as the Rivonia Trail, ended in a sentence of life imprisonment and Kathrada spent over 26 years on Robben Island.
Here’s how some South Africans reacted to news of his death. Kathrada is survived by his life partner, Barbara Hogan.
You lived to defeat Apartheid's hell – may Jannah ( Heaven ) be your abode – #SABCNews @SAfmRadio @IOL @News24 @KathradaFound #AhmedKathrada pic.twitter.com/BKotYRcljq
— Ashraf Garda (@AshrafGarda) March 28, 2017
You led with greatness to the end #AhmedKathrada. Do RIP! pic.twitter.com/ALjuiOjFpb
— Mansa Tembe (@KunjaloD) March 28, 2017
We wish you eternal rest & peace. Your struggle credentials from battle remain an inspiration to Next leaders. Aluta Continua #AhmedKathrada
— Kwanele Gumbi (@KwaneleGumbi) March 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/tshepiso_mokwen/status/846579042686025729
One of the last good leaders…. Rest in Peace Tata ❤ #AhmedKathrada
— Stephy Williams (@StephyWilliams5) March 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/jelica_nerahoo/status/846580459882631169
A proud memory & privilege in the company of these honourable elders on a visit to Robben Island years ago. Life lessons learned #Kathrada pic.twitter.com/6MWA27Oyaa
— Tim Modise (@TimModise) March 27, 2017
#AhmedKathrada may you live on in our hearts. SA is, because you all were, you fought a good fight. RIP TATA you will forever be remembered✊
— Charmaine Sam Dlamin (@DCharmaineSam) March 28, 2017
Hopefully these two angels are praying for us against a certain number one #ripunclekathy #AhmedKathrada pic.twitter.com/lBr1LXUJfq
— Justin Kettle (@just1nkettle) March 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/Missy_Ethel/status/846581097165152256
May your soul rest in peace #AhmedKathrada pic.twitter.com/UHWkCNRGEZ
— Amazing_Grace (@motlatso_ka) March 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/Barry_Roux/status/846585335459074048
Today is going to be an extra tough day for South Africa …#AhmedKathrada pic.twitter.com/ASuyGhaxT5
— DeviSankareeGovender (@Devi_HQ) March 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/fundi_fatale/status/846584755252592640
Sad to wake up to the news of the passing of #AhmedKathrada – One of the greatest and most selfless leaders we ever had. RIP Uncle Kathy🙏🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/NxEzcKEuxc
— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) March 28, 2017
