A true stalwart

THE passing of Ahmed Kathrada, a true and faithful stalwart of the true ANC, needs to be mourned reverentially and deferentially. That would be in keeping with his lifelong truthfulness, sincerity and humility.

He was no armed warrior, but he conquered through a steadfast and unyielding pursuance of truth and by keeping faith with the people and their hopes and aspirations. He stood unwavering and courageously for what was true and right, regardless of the consequences.

He regretfully accepted that he should have spoken out on the Nkandla matter, but he could not stomach what continued to happen in its aftermath. Finally, he took the bull by the horns and wrote to President Jacob Zuma, and in his letter he stated:

“And bluntly, if not arrogantly; in the face of such persistently widespread criticism, condemnation and demand, is it asking too much to express the hope that you will choose the correct way that is gaining momentum, to consider stepping down?”

This redeemed him in the eyes of the nation. People of his value to the nation who were close companions of Nelson Mandela are passing away, and what we have in their place are too many people, just too many, who are bent on using power as an instrument of selfish greed layered on greed.

The great good you did for our nation, Uncle Kathy, will serve you well until eternity. Farouk Cassiem COPE