It was with great sadness that we at the Oliver & Adelaide Tambo Foundation learnt of the passing of Ahmed Kathrada. We send our deepest condolences to his partner, comrade Barbara Hogan, his family, his Foundation, his political home – the African National Congress – and South Africa at large.
Often when we lose a person of the calibre of Uncle Kathy, we feel greatly robbed of what has become an ever-present beacon of hope, a pillar of strength and our moral compass, especially today as e're faced with multiple socio-economic and political challenges. Our democracy is young and our journey long in realising the dreams championed by the class of Uncle Kathy and his comrades, Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and others. Uncle Kathy was a true champion of non-racialism and a united South Africa. This is evident in the work he did through his Foundation.
We shall greatly miss his voice of reason and his principled stand against racism, dishonesty and disregard for our movement's values. He was not afraid to be the lone voice of caution, even when others feared recrimination in doing so. He believed in honesty and integrity above all.
His love for humanity often came to life when he engaged with ordinary people, especially the youth. The student body will miss his constant support for their struggle for free education, and despite disagreements regarding their methods of protest, he continued to show leadership and support for the core of their cause. Education, he believed, was the only inheritance to give all children, regardless of their background, class or origin.
May your soul rest in peace, gentle, giant warrior. Your journey is done. We will pick up where you left off. May your passing unify all of South Africa.
AMANDLA.
Statement by
Linda Vilakazi (CEO)
On behalf of the Oliver & Adelaide Tambo Foundation
58 Bompas Road, Dunkeld
Tel: 011-880 2680