ETHEL MOTHAPO: When Mr Mandela was released from prison he told us of things that had happened while he was in prison and whenever they were about to have what they had to eat. When they gave them bread they only had two slices and Mr Kathrada had half a loaf and he would share it with them. He is someone that would calm them down. If they were not happy about something, he would sit down with them and talk to them and they would understand. He was a good man.
We asked the Joburg community what Ahmed Kathrada’s legacy meant to them, this is what they had to say …
MOHAMOD BODA: What I have heard about him is actually great. He was an inspiration for the people and he fought for the community. He was not that type who wanted violent change. He wanted a peaceful change and we all must live in harmonyTASNEEM GOONDIWALA: The fact that he fought so much for South Africa is actually amazing. He was a quiet, humble man who just got on with his life and whatever he had to do. He had a good sense of humour so he will really be missed.YUSUF CHAMDA: He showed total generosity, humbleness and great leadership. He was definitely a role model for every South African citizen. He was one that led by example and lived by example. He will be sorely missed locally and internationally.GOKAL PRAG: He gave freedom to human beings. You can be black, white, anybody, and he wanted them to be the same, do you know what I mean? Equal.
