Local leaders pay tribute to ‘Uncle Kathy’

AS struggle veteran Ahmed Kathrada was laid to rest on Wednesday, King Cetshwayo District Mayor Nonhle Mkhulisi and Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Judith Nzimande paid their respects to the fallen hero.

Kathrada died in the early hours of Tuesday morning at the age of 87 after he had undergone surgery relating to a blood clot on the brain, but suffered post-operative complications and contracted pneumonia in both lungs.

Lovingly referred to by the nickname ‘Uncle Kathy’, he was respected as a politician, former political prisoner and anti-apartheid activist.

‘Comrade Kathrada was a revolutionary freedom fighter who served in the trenches of the struggle for freedom,’ said Mayor Mkhulisi.

‘His courage, integrity and love for this country is a sterling example to us of the patriotism that we all need to have for South Africa.

‘We pay tribute to this icon for the role he has played in building the new democratic dispensation and in his memory, we urge all citizens to take up the baton and contribute to nation building and in promoting love for our country.

‘Rest in peace Ahmed Kathrada.’

Nzimande said SA has lost one of its greatest activists.

‘Mr K’s entire life was an example of the highest integrity, honesty and loyalty.

‘He was a remarkable man who gave hope to people when they lost their energy.

‘He was prepared to stand up for what is right, even if it meant standing alone.

‘We lost an extraordinary man whose convictions never wavered, no matter what the obstacles were.

‘He was resilient, humble and was an inspiration to all South African through his exemplary life.

I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Kathrada during this time of sadness.

‘Hamba Kahle Uncle Kathy.’

Brief history

Kathrada’s involvement in anti-apartheid activities with the ANC led to his arrest at the Lilliesleaf Farm in Rivonia in 1963.

Following the infamous Rivonia Trial, he and seven others, including Nelson Mandela, were sentenced to life in prison at Robben Island and Pollsmoor Prison.

After 26 years in confinement, he was released in 1989 and was elected to serve as a member of parliament, representing the ANC post 1994.

He authored the book, No Bread for Mandela- Memoirs of Ahmed Kathrada, Prisoner No. 468/64 and received numerous accolades, including the Isitwalandwe Award (the ANC’s highest possible accolade) while still in prison.

Kathrada has also been awarded four Honorary Doctorates.

In 2004, he was voted 46th in the Top 100 Great South Africans.

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