The Premier of the Northern Cape Province, Ms Sylvia Lucas, expresses her heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Provincial Government and the entire people of the Northern Cape on the passing of anti-apartheid struggle veteran and Rivonia trialist, Ahmed Kathrada affectionately known as Kathy. The Province joins the rest of the country in mourning the passing on of a humble and courageous freedom fighter. Our thoughts are with Barbara Hogan and the entire Kathrada family today as they mourn the loss of their loved one who meant a great deal to his family and the nation. We therefore also express our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the entire South African Nation. His death has indeed robbed this country of a freedom fighter of note.

Comrade Kathy championed the ideal of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa where all the people can live together in harmony. He has also put us on an irreversible path of reconciliation, nation building and transformation. Today we reflect on the loss of a great patriot that was a key player in the victorious struggle against apartheid.

In honour of the late comrade Kathy, we need to continue to embrace the values of democracy and contribute towards the objectives of building a just and caring society. To celebrate his life, we need to stay true to his ideals, including his unwavering commitment to justice, equality and a non-racial South Africa. We all have a responsibility to promote freedom and defend our democracy in honour of his and other freedom fighters life-long commitment to these ideals.

Uncle Kathy was a courageous leader, comrade and friend who often took the road less travelled to pursue what he deemed to be right and just.  How befitting that his passing should come during Human Rights month.

May the Almighty grant him Junatul Fihrdous and may the family find sabr (peace). Your loss is a loss to the nation.

Released by the Office of the Premier
Contact person: Ms Bronwyn Thomas- Abrahams, 083 447 6586, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.