Where do I even begin to describe how much you meant to me? Words fail to adequately describe my love, respect and admiration for you, my dearest K! Not only were you a man I deeply respected, a freedom fighter and iconic South African, but I had the privilege to call you my dearest friend. Thinking back, I cannot help but chuckle at how you insisted I drop the ‘Uncle’ nonsense, and just call you Kathy, because you loved that it made you feel much younger.
Over the past few years, you continued to stand tall, always striving for a better South Africa, always deeply invested in ensuring you did all you could to help us build a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic South Africa, and we will never forget how you stood up and spoke truth to power, especially at a time when we needed it most. Thank you for your sacrifices. Thank you for being a living example of the ideals you fought so hard for. You lived your life the way that you did, so that I could be a better South African and understand the meaning of a society that is built on these very principles.
You became a very special friend of our extended Miss Earth South Africa family, joining us for campaigns, talks and functions, always igniting the room with your smiling eyes and laughter. You believed in me and my work with the forgotten people of the Western Sahara right from the start of my human rights work. Always more than happy to give me advice, share in my stories from the work with the Saharawi’s in the refugee camps; always sharing with me your personal memories, moments with your comrades and the personal accounts of that which you had to give up, sacrifice and learn to live without while on Robben Island. I was able to harness my work and journey as an activist because of you Uncle Kathy, you were my compass and guide.
Our trip together to Robben Island a little over two years ago, is a time and place etched into my mind forever. You walked me through history as you shared with me your struggle, the heartache, treasured memories with your dear friend, Tata and others. I will carry that very time with me forever. Standing in Tata Mandela’s cell with you as you unpacked the horrific conditions of those 26 years, I was overwhelmed with emotion and remember thinking that here is a giant of a man, so humble, so gentle and filled with such compassion and love. I battled to bring together the two extremes, on the one hand the dark and difficult path you walked and your duty-bound manner in which you executed the last few decades of your life with such kindness, love and dedication to our country. Our boat trip back was quiet. I sat in awe alongside you, a brave and gentle soul. I was once again overwhelmed by the magnificence of the human being beside me.
For those who loved and adored you, your laughter, smiling eyes and love for children will always be remembered. You were of a generation of courageous, fearless, selfless and principled leaders, a league of warriors. You were the best of us.
My devoted love and thoughts at this very difficult time to Barbara, my dearest Zohra, the extended family, Neeshan and the team at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.
I will carry you in my heart forever.
Rest in Peace my darling friend.
Catherine Constantinides (@ChangeAgentSA)
International Climate & Human Rights Activist
Executive Director Miss Earth South Africa
*Letter shortened
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