The former Robben Island prisoner affectionately known as “uncle Kathy” died in hospital on Tuesday after a short illness following surgery to the brain. Kathrada was 87.
Politician and former political prisoner and anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada speaks about a new book launched by the Kathrada Foundation called Triumph of the Human Spirit, Ahmed Kathrada and Robben Island, 13 August 2015, in Lenasia. The book features photographs of Kathrada accompanying various well known visitors to Robben Island, such as Barack Obama, Fidel Castro, Stevie Wonder among others, along with their writings on the experience. Since his release he has visited the island over 300 times. Picture: Michel Bega
!['We have to take responsibility for mess-ups and corruption in SA' - Momoniat [VIDEO]](https://media.citizen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Kathrada-Foundation-300x200.jpeg)