CPF chairperson remembers well-known activist, Ahmed Kathrada

Chairperson of the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Jean Berdou remembers well-known anti-apartheid activist, Ahmed Kathrada, following the sad news of his passing this morning.

“Uncle Kathy has been a pillar of our nation in standing for human rights and freedom, and his moderating wisdom will sadly be missed,” Berdou said.

Berdou added that Kathrada was known for his incredible humour, humility and quiet manner which had played an enormous role in providing wise guidance in the leadership of the nation post-1994.

“Our condolences go out to his friends and family at this difficult time and we have indeed lost a wonderful leader,” Berdou said.

Read Ahmed Kathrada, one of the last three Rivonia Trialists, has died

Kathrada 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.

He has had an illustrious political career having served between 1994 and 1999 as the parliamentary counsellor to late President Nelson Mandela.

Kathrada’s involvement in the anti-apartheid activities of the African National Congress (ANC) led to his long-term imprisonment following the Rivonia trial, which he served on Robben Island and in Pollsmoor Prison.

Following his release in 1990, Kathrada was elected to serve as a member of Parliament, representing the ANC. He then authored a book, No Bread for Mandela – Memoirs of Ahmed Kathrada, Prisoner No. 468/64.

Kathrada will be buried according to Muslim religious rites and details will be made available to the public in due course.

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