Ahmed Kathrada: Veteran Communist and national liberation icon in South Africa dies
NOVANEWS
Former political prisoner served time alongside Nelson Mandela and others
Abayomi Azikiwe
“Kathy”, as he was popularly known, was elected to parliament in 1994 but declined to seek re-election five years later. He wrote an open letter to President Jacob Zuma, suggesting that perhaps he should step down due to widespread corruption in government. Zuma did not attend Kathrada’s memorial, citing the wishes of the family of the veteran freedom fighter.
Funeral services were held on March 29 for Ahmed Mohamed “Kathy” Kathrada, a longtime member of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa.
Kathrada died at the age of 87 after undergoing neurosurgery. His memorial was attended by hundreds of family members...