Maimane salutes Uncle Kathy on visit to island
A LONG-time dream of the late anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada came true when DA leader Mmusi Maimane toured Robben Island with the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF) yesterday.
The tour was led by former Robben Island inmate and AKF board member Laloo Chiba.
Chiba shared his experiences from the island and took the delegation of five through section B, the isolation section of the prison where Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu lived, the dining facility, and section G, the general section for all other prisoners.
They also visited the lime quarry and the Robert Sobukwe house.
“On behalf of the foundation, I am pleased to honour this commitment. We wondered what should we do, as Kathy is no longer here, but I said we should still honour what he wanted and I am glad we did,” Chiba said.
“We have to honour all the sacrifices of those who fought in the Struggle and carry on their legacy.”
Maimane said although he had visited the island several times, this was the most special visit.
“It is deeply moving to know that Uncle Kathy wanted us to understand what Robben Island meant in the context of our Struggle history, and had wanted to take us there himself. His absence here today was felt by all,” he said.
“Those like Uncle Kathy who were imprisoned on the island paid an enormous price so that our country could escape the oppression of the apartheid government. It was their freedom for ours.”
Barbara Hogan, Kathrada’s widow and a member of the foundation’s board, said the trip was about showing the inclusivity of our heritage, and that it stood for all of us.
“This is very special after Kathy passed, because it was where he lived for so many years, and it shows the sacrifices and commitment of his generation,” she said.
Nelson Mandela Foundation chief executive Sello Hatang said it was an honour to do what Kathrada wanted.
“Although the island housed many different political parties, they had one goal.
“This past site of oppression should be there not just to remember the past, but to remind us of the future we want,” said Hatang.