Recovering struggle veteran Kathrada wants to be kept in loop

Doctors are pleased at the rate of recovery of struggle veteran Ahmed Kathrada who was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital at the weekend.

But it will be two or three months before he is able to resume public life.

According to Ahmed Kathrada Foundation director Neeshan Bal- ton, “Uncle Kathy”, was in a stable condition and “making a good recovery in this post-operation period”.

The 87-year-old was initially admitted for dehydration, but doctors later found and removed a blood clot.

Balton added that on the occasions he had seen Kathrada, when he was not under sedation, he had been in high spirits.

“On Monday, he wanted to be briefed on all of the headlines of the Sunday newspapers ... that was an indicator that he is still very keen to be briefed on all developments within the country.”

The foundation was also grateful, overwhelmed and humbled “by the thousands of messages that we have been receiving from all across the country and the world”, said Balton.

“People are expressing their appreciation for all that Uncle Kathy stands for and all of his personal sacrifice.

“The overwhelming theme is that he needs to recover because the country still needs people like him in these very trying times.

“We hope that you continue remembering him in your prayers and take time to reflect on the ideals and values that Kathrada and his generation stood for.”

Only visits from the immediate family would be permitted.

Kathrada is one of three Rivonia treason triallists still living, the other two being Andrew Mlangeni and Dennis Goldberg.

Along with Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba and Elias Motsoaledi, they were sentenced in 1964 to life imprisonment on Robben Island.

Kathrada spent 26 years in prison, 18 of which were on Robben Island.