Yadhana Jadoo and photographer Tracy-Lee Stark share their memories of an interview with Kathrada in 2014.

YADHANA JADOO

I have always loved and appreciated Uncle Kathy for all that he stood for.

His love for South Africa, his mission to build a nation that is inclusive and tolerant of the next person, no matter their skin colour.

His courage for speaking out against a government when it needed reprimanding. And finally, Uncle Kathy’s ability to make you laugh.

I was grateful to have interviewed Ahmed Kathrada in 2014 at his home in Killarney, Johannesburg, in one of his final one-on-one interviews.

Photographer Tracy-Lee Stark and I entered his humble and homely flat with much anticipation and excitement.

Filled with anxiety, not knowing if I would be able to remember all the questions I wanted to ask, I fidgeted with my notebook and pen, only to be

greeted by the warmest “good morning” I have ever heard.

About an hour later, quite a few giggles in between, and the interview was completed – it was a breeze. With Uncle Kathy, I didn’t need to ask many questions as his knowledge just flowed.

TRACY-LEE STARK

I was very nervous the day I captured Ahmed Kathrada with my lens because I was telling him how to sit.

He had a special chair but the light was bad – so I had to ask him to please move to the other side of the room. He politely agreed – I remember it was difficult for him to do and I felt bad about asking him.

It was also my birthday, of which he became aware. He said: “Happy birthday Tracy. Sorry you are working on your birthday.”