BREAKING NEWS: Anti-apartheid struggle hero, Ahmed Kathrada, dies at 87
JOBURG – The veteran has “experienced several post-operation complications, rendering his condition serious”.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has announced that ANC veteran Ahmed Kathrada (87) passed away this morning, at the Donald Gordon Hospital in Johannesburg.
According to the Foundation, 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 Foundation Chairperson, Derek Hanekom, was overcome with emotion saying he has lost a “revolutionary mentor and dear friend”.
“Comrade Kathy was a gentle, humane and humble soul. He was a determined revolutionary who gave his entire life to the liberation struggle in our country,” he added.
Kathrada will be buried according to Muslim religious rights, details of which will be made publicly available in due course.
Fellow Robben Island prisoner, Laloo ‘Isu’ Chiba (86) said that his comrade’s death has left a deep vacuum in his life.
“I have worked with Kathy for over sixty years. He has been my strength in prison, my guide in political life and my pillar of strength in the most difficult moments of my life. Now he is gone,” said a visibly shaken Chiba.
Kathrada has had an illustrious political career having served between 1994 and 1999 as the parliamentary counsellor to late President Nelson Mandela.
He was born on 21 August 1929 in rural Schweizer-Reneke and was introduced to politics as a young boy when he joined a non-racial youth club run by the Young Communist League.
INITIAL REPORT: 27 March, 6pm
Anti-apartheid struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada’s (87) condition has deteriorated in the last 24 hours.
Kathrada was hospitalised in Johannesburg earlier this month for surgery related to blood clotting on the brain.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s Director Neeshan Balton said that the veteran had “experienced several post-operation complications, rendering his condition serious”.
“Kathrada has contracted pneumonia, which has affected both his lungs,” Balton said. “Despite appropriate medical care, his condition is deteriorating. He is currently comfortable.”
“The Kathrada Foundation will keep the public informed on a regular basis about Kathrada’s condition. Follow our Twitter handle @KathradaFound for updates,” Balton added.
“We continue asking for your prayers during this period, both for Mr Kathrada and his family and friends.
He indicated that members of the public were welcome to post their messages of support on the Foundation’s Facebook page, or by emailing info@kathradafoundation.org.
“We have also had requests from people about where they can leave cards bearing messages of support, or flowers. This can be dropped off at the Foundation’s offices (Signet Terrace Office Park, Block B, Suite 2 – 19 Guinea-Fowl Street, Ext 1, Lenasia).
“All of the messages that we have received will be collated and passed on to the family,” Balton explained.
Kathrada, a tireless activist for non-racialism and Constitutionalism, is one of three Rivonia Trialists still alive today; the other two being Andrew Mlangeni and Denis Goldberg.
