Wits scholars share their thoughts about late struggle hero, Ahmed Kathrada

Wits students have expressed deep appreciation for the late struggle hero, Ahmed Kathrada, who passed away at the Donald Gordan Centre in Parktown on 28 March following a short battle with illness.

Kathrada was a leading figure in the fight against oppression during the volatile anti-apartheid movement. He began his career in politics in the 50s – culminating in a 60-year journey in the struggle for freedom, justice, non-racialism and a united democratic South Africa.

Read: 5 things you need to know about Ahmed Kathrada’s funeral

Speaking to City Buzz, Siyanda Mgadi, African National Congress (ANC) Youth League secretary at Wits, lauded the hero. “He walked a huge mile in the fight for freedom for our people. He fought tooth and nail in the brutal apartheid system and so it is indeed a [great loss],” Mgadi expressed.

Mpho Masuku, a third year BA Politics student at Wits added, “It’s lamentable that we’re losing so many heroes, although we knew that the time would come where we [would] lose all our anti-apartheid stalwarts, especially ANC stalwarts.”

Masuku said that the time has come for a new revolution in order to reconfigure society.

Read: VIDEO: Moving tributes for the gentle giant – Kathrada

Mbali Khanyile, currently pursuing a BA Law degree at Wits added her voice to the chorus. She said, “I think [Kathrada] made a great contribution to society, and [because of that] we are today bearing the fruits of what he sowed. His legacy will indeed live on.”

Edited by Stacey Woensdregt

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