Ward councillors speak about Kathrada’s contributions to SA

The ANC veteran and struggle icon, Ahmed Kathrada (87) has died at the Donald Gordon Medical Centre in Parktown, Johannesburg.

Kathrada, who served as President Mandela’s parliamentary counsellor, died in the early hours of 28 March following a brief illness.

Jeffrey Pietersen, Ward 91 councillor said, “Ahmed Kathrada was a man of integrity and the nation was always his concern. For me, growing up in Cape Town, I will remember him for his positive contribution to the marginalised and minority communities and for his contributions to the country.”

Pietersen said that he was one of South Africa’s role models and a man of integrity who always did what he said he would do, and that he had a positive impact on people.

Read VIDEO: Funeral details of the late Ahmed Kathrada

Werner Smit Ward 109 councillor said, “It is very sad to lose one of the Rivonia Trialists. The death of Ahmed Kathrada gives us an opportunity to celebrate his life, reflect on our tragic past and think of what we have achieved in our post-apartheid era, South Africa. The best monument we can build for Ahmed Kathrada is to entrench the values of our Constitution and build an open opportunity society for all.”

Vincent Earp Ward 103 councillor said, “It is with deep sadness that early this morning we heard of the passing of one of the founding fathers of our Democracy, Ahmed Kathrada. His fight against insurmountable odds during the dark days of Apartheid will always be remembered . His legacy as a stalwart of our new Democracy will continue to shine as a bright light amongst all South Africans. His dedication and commitment to the struggle for freedom and universal suffrage will be inscribed in the annals of the history of our nation. His support for those fighting injustices is a great testament to his life . As a Freeeman of the City of Johannesburg our thoughts are with Barbara Hogan and the Kathrada Family. “

Some notable moments as laid out in his biography on the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s website is that in 1963, Kathrada went underground and was arrested when police swooped on Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia where he had been meeting with banned persons. This led to the famous Rivonia Trial in which eight accused received life sentences. These eight included Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki and Raymond Mhlaba.

Kathrada was incarcerated for a total of 26 years, 18 of which he served on Robben Island with Mandela and Sisulu, before being transferred to Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town.

For the complete biography visit: https://www.kathradafoundation.org/content/biography-ahmed-kathrada

Edited by Beryl Knipe