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…
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation extends its condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who passed away this afternoon. “It is with sadness that we received the news of Comrade Winnie’s passing after a period of illness that saw her in and out of hospital,” said the Foundation’s Executive Director, Neeshan Balton. “We…
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 will on August 30 take the leadership of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) for a tour of Robben Island. The tour will be conducted in accordance with the wishes of former Robben Island prisoner, Ahmed Kathrada, who passed away in March this year. It will also form part of the…
He let me be his surrogate sister when all the available adoptive daughter positions in his life had been filled. Kathy was protective and kind. Nurturing and guiding. The big brother I had been missing for most of my life. He liked to hang out just to ‘gossip’ as he put it and…
Good morning, Sanbonani, Nameste, Assalaam Aleikom, Vanekun, Goeie More Cde Programme Director, Members of the Kathrada Family, Distinguished Guests, Comrades and Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen. On the occasion of Comrades Kathy’s 88th birthday tomorrow, I feel enormously privileged and honoured to read out what he once said as chairperson of the Robben Island…
The bars were a still purple One that trickled down your spine Twisted it while you stood The floor, a striking grey No amount of light could make it shine The walls an uninspiring yet unforgettable brown Qhawe What was meant to diminish your spirit Bring you down Make you bend to the…
On the eve of what would have been Ahmed Kathrada’s 88th birthday, Derek Hanekom reflects on Kathrada’s remarkable ability to ‘draw people in’… In Ahmed Kathrada’s Memoirs, Edwin Markham is quoted: “He drew a circle to shut me out – heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But Love and I had the wit to win: we…
It is appropriate that we pause to pay tribute to Ahmed Kathrada on the celebration of Madiba’s Birthday. Apart from the many years as struggle comrades as well as the many years as fellow prisoners on Robben Island, Kathy & Madiba shared so much in common. They were people of integrity and selflessness on the…
ROSHERVILLE PARK, SCHWEIZER-RENEKE 22 JULY 2017 Programme Director, Mr Mandla Nkomfe, Chairperson of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Mr Derek Hanekom, Members of the Kathrada family, Comrades and friends, We are gathered here to pay tribute to Isithwalandwe Seaparankoe Ahmed Kathrada, a humble freedom fighter and a remarkable human being. We are here to pay tribute…