#UncleKathy: South Africa pays tribute to struggle giant Ahmed Kathrada

Ahmed Kathrada, known as one of Nelson Mandela’s closest allies and a defiant anti-apartheid activist, has died aged 87.

The news broke on Twitter in the early hours of Tuesday morning, when the Kathrada Foundation tweeted that its namesake “has passed on”.

Ahmed #Kathrada has passed on. Details to follow.

— Kathrada Foundation (@KathradaFound) March 28, 2017

Kathrada, or Uncle Kathy as many referred to him, was born in the North West town of Schweizer-Reneke in 1929. He was imprisoned with Nelson Mandela at Pollsmoor and Robben Island after the Rivonia Trial.

He was released in 1990, and served in the Mandela administration. A more detailed depiction of Kathrada’s storied life can be read in this excellent summary by eNCA.

Ahmed Kathrada death on Tuesday shocked South Africans close to him and inflenced by his legacy

A number of politicians took to Twitter to wish Kathrada well, following the news of his deteriorating condition.

My thoughts and prayers are with Uncle Kathy. Strength to him and his family. Ka lerato.

— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) March 27, 2017

We are thinking about our struggle veteran Uncle Kathy and Praying for his speedy recovery. I’m told he’s critical🙏🏼

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) March 27, 2017

But these well wishes turned to tributes. Condolences poured in following the news, with many politicians first and foremost taking to Twitter. Many used the hashtag #UncleKathy, which remains a trending topic in South Africa at the time of writing.

RIP cde @Kathrada , you are a true and honest father figure to most of us . Your valuable leadership in our struggle will never be faulted

— Jackson Mthembu (@JacksonMthembu_) March 28, 2017

Rest in perfect Peace Uncle Kathy, your last wish remains our command. We will continue the good fight against Kleptocracy and State Capture

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) March 28, 2017

Farewell uncle Kathrada pic.twitter.com/BoEuinUGG5

— IG: @MbuyiseniNdlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) March 28, 2017

Heartbreaking to wake up to the news of the passing of our dear Freeman of the City, Ahmed Kathrada. Hamba Kahle Uncle Kathy.

— Patricia de Lille (@PatriciaDeLille) March 28, 2017

Deep condolences. A life of great contribution and personal sacrifice. RIP. https://t.co/Tcr9k1RIkx

— Helen Zille (@helenzille) March 28, 2017

My deep condolences to #AhmedKathrada family, his political party and the people of SA. We have indeed lost a giant, iQhawe. Lala Ngoxolo.

— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) March 28, 2017

To Ntate #AhmedKathrada, your life was spent in the fight for our freedom. May your soul rest in revolutionary peace #RIP pic.twitter.com/CmaFBcxD5Y

— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) March 28, 2017

Cde Ahmed Kathrada belongs to a generation that proclaimed ‘Freedom in Our Lifetime’ and his contribution is beyond measure. Rest In Peace!

— Floyd Shivambu (@FloydShivambu) March 28, 2017

RIP Ahmed Kathrada, thank you for your service and example, we stand on the shoulders of giants.

— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) March 28, 2017

“We lower our revolutionary banners as we both mourn and celebrate a giant of our times,” the ANC’s Gauteng branch tweeted.

We lower our revolutionary banners as we both mourn and celebrate a giant of our times. #RIPUncleKathy pic.twitter.com/QMveVEOkyC

— Gauteng ANC (@GautengANC) March 28, 2017

President Jacob Zuma announced that Ahmed Kathrada will be buried on Wednesday and will be honoured with a Special Official ceremony.

Feature image: GovernmentZA via Flickr (CC 2.0, resized)