Representatives of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF) and Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) recently travelled to Sweden to meet with retail outlet H&M following their publishing of the racist ‘hoodie’ advert earlier this year. H&M published an advert of an African child wearing a hoodie with the phrase ‘Coolest Monkey in the Jungle’, contrary…
Anti-apartheid struggle veteran Ahmed Kathrada would receive many interview requests from journalists around the world. There were so many during his lifetime that it would be difficult to sometimes remember the journalists making the requests by name. But, we remembered Yadhana. We first came into contact with her in June 2014 when she requested to…
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has welcomed the withdrawal of South Africa’s ambassador to Israel, Sisa Ngombane. The decision by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) was taken following Israel’s killing of over 50 Palestinians who were part of protests along the Gaza border since the start of the week. In the last six…
On the occasion of his 84th birthday, anti-apartheid struggle veteran, Isaac Makopo, was honoured for his integrity, selflessness and dedicated service to the people of South Africa. Makopo celebrated his birthday on April 21 with family, friends and an enthusiastic throng of comrades, young and old, who lauded him for his unwavering commitment to the…
Young people from across the country are encouraged to participate in the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s 2018 youth essay writing competition against racism. This year, the competition allows prospective entrants from between the ages of 15 and 21 to write essays that focus on one of three topics: A future free of racism Tolerating racism is…
The Anti-Racism Network South Africa (ARNSA) calls on the country to pledge to #RootOutRacism by marking Anti-Racism Week from March 14-21. Anti-Racism Week is held annually in South Africa during Human Rights Month. It culminates on Human Rights Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The focus week is aimed at…
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation welcomes the general tone and content of President Ramaphosa’s maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA). “Earlier this month, the Foundation, as part of the Future South Africa coalition, called on Mr Ramaphosa to ensure that this year’s SONA address restores the ‘dignity and decorum of the House’. We believe…
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation welcomes the decision by Jacob Zuma to resign as President of the Republic of South Africa. “This evening’s announcement of Zuma’s resignation is one that will be met with a sigh of relief from all South Africans,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director, Neeshan Balton. “For the first time in almost…
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation notes the announcement detailing the terms of reference of the state capture commission of inquiry. “We welcome the fact that the terms of reference appear to be largely in keeping with former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s State of Capture report, as well as the High Court judgement that reiterated Madonsela’s…
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation on January 11 wrote to H&M stores requesting a meeting following the publishing of the company’s racist advert. Several days ago, outrage ensued across various media platforms when H&M published photos of an African child wearing a hoodie with the phrase ‘Coolest Monkey in the Jungle’, contrary to the one…