Andrew Mhlangeni speaks at Ahmed Kathrada unveiling
MONTGOMERY PARK – The Ahmed Kathrada information board explains the simple structure around Kathrada's grave, the perimeters of which are the exact dimensions of a Robben Island cell.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation unveiled an information board on the apartheid struggle hero’s legacy alongside the Kathrada site of memory at Westpark Cemetery on 28 March, which marked the second anniversary of his passing.
Fellow Rivonia Trialist and Robben Island prisoner, Andrew Mlangeni, unveiled an information board on Kathrada’s legacy alongside the Kathrada site of memory at Heroes Acre.
The unveiling was emceed by speaker Neeshan Balton, executive director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation who remembered ‘Uncle Kathy’, as he was affectionately known by everyone, for firstly his love to Afrikaans songs and poetry. He spoke about Kathrada’s enthusiasm serving the ANC and his country, in his interaction with people especially the young generation and how he did so with humility and dignity.
Chairperson of the Ahmed Kathrada, Derek Hanekom was asked to receive a gift from cartoonist John Curtis that he drew two years ago when Kathrada passed away. It was a tribute Kathrada had read to Nelson Mandela when he passed away. It read, “In death, you once more challenge people from every strata, religion and position to think about how their own actions do and can change the world for better or worse.”
This year Kathrada would be celebrating 30 years since he came out of jail and in August he would’ve celebrated his 90th birthday. Hanekom said that following the first democratic elections on 27 April 1994, this years election on 8 May will be most important for our country for varies reasons and urged South to go vote at the polls and make their voices heard.
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