About 3 000 community members gathered to pay their respects to the late Rivonia Trialist in the first commemorative event held in his hometown since his passing in March.

The Deputy President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, delivered the main tribute message, with the Kathrada family, other struggle veterans, the ANC and SANCO paying homage too.

The Kathada Foundation’s Executive Director, Neeshan Balton, says the key messages that emanated from the gathering was the need to emulate the values Kathrada lived by.

“Uncle Kathy’s life of sacrifice, humility and continuing to be an activist for ensuring that South Africans can live with dignity was one that resonated with all of the speakers. The Deputy President used the opportunity to speak about his personal relationships with Uncle Kathy,” he says.

He also went on to talk about the values of Kathrada that are needed today. And specifically that of selflessness, service to people, not being corrupt and displaying the highest level of integrity, not seeking positions but doing what was required of him when the time required it. That message went down well with the audience and went down well with the family and it is one that we appreciate.”

A national tribute programme will be rolled out to other provinces over the coming months and an Ahmed Kathrada workbook will also be distributed to various schools across the country.

Balton says they are hoping to launch it on 21 August. The workbook, A Man for All Seasons, will be based on the former Rivonia Trialist’s memoirs and the documentary on his life.

OFM News