anele
Honouring Kathrada: Bridging Generations for Non-Racialism
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation marked the anniversary of Ahmed Kathrada’s passing with two impactful remembrance events under the theme: “Achieving Non-Racialism. What Must Be Done?” The two-day programme called on South Africans, especially the youth, to reflect on the unfinished business of building a truly non-racial and democratic society.
On 28 March, the Foundation hosted an intimate remembrance at Westpark Cemetery, where Ahmed Kathrada is laid to rest. The gathering brought together representatives of the political parties and civil society organisations, long-time comrades, and members of the public. While all GNU political parties were invited, speakers included representatives from the ANC and Rise Mzansi, reflecting on Kathrada’s enduring legacy and the urgent need to advance the project of non-racialism.
Vuyiswa Ramokgopa from RISE Mzansi reflected on the gravity of the current moment in South Africa, where the project of non-racialism faces renewed challenges.
“The struggle for non-racialism is far from over. We are called upon to actively defend and deepen the democratic and non-racial project that Uncle Kathy lived and died for,” said Ramokgopa.
Febe Potgieter, representing the ANC, emphasised the collective responsibility in realising Kathrada’s vision.
“To honour Uncle Kathy’s legacy, we must work together across all sectors to dismantle the barriers that divide us and build a truly inclusive society.”
On her final day as Executive Director of Defend Our Democracy (DOD), Zaakirah Vadi offered a moving personal reflection on Kathrada’s values and mentorship.
“Uncle Kathy taught us about the power of humility and integrity. Today, I am challenged to ask: Are we carrying out our democracy in the way that our forebears imagined it? Are we living up to their vision of justice and equality?”
Other speakers, including Rosalie Manning, Nicole Fritz, Natalie Levin, and Naseema Fakir, echoed the urgent call to revitalise the country’s commitment to non-racialism. Not as a slogan, but as a daily practice requiring courage, honesty, and consistent action.
Intergenerational Dialogue: Passing the Baton
On 29 March, the Foundation’s Youth Department hosted an inspiring Intergenerational Dialogue titled The Past, The Present, The Future at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg. The dialogue featured anti-apartheid veteran and former Robben Island prisoner Mac Maharaj, who shared reflections from his remarkable life with young activists, students, and community organisers.
Maharaj, a fellow Robben Island prisoner with Kathrada, offered deep insights into the complexities of activism, sacrifice, and principled leadership. He warned against complacency, reminding participants that democracy is neither automatic nor permanent, it demands constant attention and effort.
“Kathy believed in young people. Not as future leaders, but as leaders of the present. The torch is already in your hands,” Maharaj told the young audience.
The dialogue was marked by courageous and thoughtful questions from participants, covering issues such as inequality, the erosion of democratic institutions, persistent racism, and the sense of alienation many young people feel today. Maharaj encouraged the youth to ground themselves in history, organise effectively, and pursue justice with determination.
In a striking moment, Maharaj shared a story of how he learned to respect, without agreeing with, one of the men who had tortured him on Robben Island, warning the youth never to underestimate their adversaries.
“Never underestimate your enemy,” he remarked, driving home the point that principled activism requires a clear-eyed understanding of both allies and opponents.
In a firm rebuttal of claims that the negotiated settlement in the 1990s was a “sell-out,” Maharaj stated, on-the-record, that apartheid did not end simply because white people voted against it. He shared how negotiations were met with resistance and how those who brokered the democratic breakthrough did so with great sacrifice and determination, carving out a path that today’s generation must continue to advance.
The Foundation reaffirms that this dialogue is part of a broader and ongoing commitment to building intergenerational activism rooted in the values Kathrada stood for. Non-racialism, justice, humility, and democratic participation.
Reflecting on both events, the Foundation emphasises:
“We must not only remember but continue the work. Non-racialism cannot be deferred to future generations. The time to act is now.”
END
