On behalf of our Founder, Board of Trustees and staff, we would like to express our deep sadness at the passing of Prof. Kader Asmal, a lifelong fighter for freedom and justice.
A close associate of our Founder, Mr Nelson Mandela, Prof Asmal struggled for decades in South Africa and in exile for an end to apartheid and for the achievement of a constitutional democracy in which all, regardless of gender, race or
political affiliation would be regarded as equals.
After South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994 Prof Asmal was called by Mr Mandela to his first cabinet position of Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry.
In a letter to Prof Asmal on the occasion of his 75th birthday Mr Mandela wrote:
“While serving in our Cabinet we often referred to you as the ‘Minister of all portfolios’. Although we did so in a humorous way, there was truth to it. Few people have the knowledge and experience to compare with you and you have become an expert on so many subjects that your wealth of knowledge is an asset to our movement and our country. Your 75th birthday is then also an appropriate and welcome opportunity to thank you for your friendship over the years. The sacrifices you have made and the role that you played will remain in our history books forever.”
Hamba Kahle qabane, your voice will be missed.