A lion has gone and the predators are advancing

I WRITE to pay tribute to one of the greatest liberation giants our country has produced, Ahmed Kathrada affectionately known as Uncle Kathy. This freedom fighter devoted his entire life from his youthful years to fighting the just cause of justice, peace, prosperity and equal opportunity.

Uncle Kathy shall remain in our minds for having spent 26 years on Robben Island and sacrificing all material possessions and time with his family to free us from brutal and egocentric apartheid craziness.

As our distinguished leaders, heroes and heroines depart from mother earth we feel cold. Not because they have not taught us the values and direction our own struggle should take. Rather, I think, because we have not yet modelled ourselves to the highest levels of selflessness as demonstrated by these giant leaders.

We, as generations following these great comrades, must seek to understand that liberation and the struggle for betterment of lives requires shared responsibility, empathy and humility – some of the fundamental characteristics this giant demonstrated throughout his life.

I’ve followed the speeches and books written about him and seen the continued commitment shown through the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation. And I have learnt that utata omkhulu u-Ahmed Kathrada was a tower of resilience and a beacon of hope for all. When he spoke we all felt a sense of personal renewal and commitment to achieving the liberation of our people from the socioeconomic delinquencies which we still face.

He was fountain of strength and when some of us were mum and scared to say “no”, he was there to call us all to order. We bid farewell to you, giant of our revolution. Hamba kakuhle qabane. — Zibele Xuba, ANC REC member Chris Hani, Ngcobo

REST in peace comrade tata Ahmed Kathrada. We are left with very few people and cadres of integrity, having lost OR Tambo, Govan Mbeki, Wilton Mkwayi, Elias Motsoaledi, Walter Sisulu, Raymond Mhlaba, Nelson Mandela and now you Uncle Kathy.

We are humbled knowing you did all required of a selfless leader, a courageous comrade, a cadre of integrity and a father of the nation.

Unfortunately, the state of the ANC and government is threatening the freedom you contributed to so immensely. There are comrades today who see nothing wrong with advancing corruption, greed, patronage and factionalism.

You have surely been angry that many in the current ANC leadership decided to be silent and took a backseat while the movement you served with integrity has been destroyed by selfish and corrupt people.

We take pride in knowing that you decided to speak out on the bad conduct by the ANC NEC.

We take pride in knowing you did not forsake poor students when they cried for free and decolonised higher education. Indeed you served the purpose of your existence.

Report to Nelson Mandela that his reconciliation programme is crumbling as the nation is reverting to racism and tribalism.

We are humbled to mention your name among those who have lived during our time. Rest in peace tata. — Phendule Mbewu, via e-mail

WE remember Uncle Kathy for his bravery in joining the young Communist Party at the tender age of 12. He contributed unwaveringly to the broad struggle against injustice and inequality.

In the late 1940s during early days of apartheid the ANC Youth League opposed cooperation with other organisations, particularly the Communist Party fearing it would detract from their programme of action. But Kathrada called out Nelson Mandela and was strong to rebuke him.

Kathrada noted that years later in prison, Madiba was gracious enough to admit he was wrong.

The death of Uncle Kathy comes at a difficult time in our country with some Cabinet ministers facing the axe. Uncle Kathy may have gone, but his example of wanting to see people freed from poverty, unemployment and hunger will however remain.

The Lion of Africa is gone while our state is captured by one family because of their relationship with President Jacob Zuma. — Thabang Maseko, EC Young Communist League-SA spokesman

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