Ahmed Kathrada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ahmed Kathrada
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Kathrada in 2016
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| Parliamentary Counsellor to the President of South Africa | |
| In office 10 May 1994 – 16 June 1999 |
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| President | Nelson Mandela |
| Member of the Parliament of South Africa | |
| In office 1994–1999 |
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| Constituency | Lenasia |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ahmed Mohamed Kathrada
21 August 1929 Schweizer-Reneke, Transvaal Province, Union of South Africa |
| Died | 28 March 2017 (aged 87) Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Political party | African National Congress |
| Other political affiliations |
South African Communist Party |
| Spouse | Barbara Hogan |
| Alma mater | University of South Africa |
| Occupation |
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| Website | kathradafoundation.org |
Ahmed Mohamed Kathrada (born August 21, 1929 – died March 28, 2017) was a famous South African politician. People often called him "Kathy." He was a brave activist who fought against apartheid, a system of unfair racial separation in South Africa.
Kathrada was a key member of the African National Congress (ANC). Because of his fight against apartheid, he was sent to prison for many years. He was held at Robben Island and Pollsmoor Prison. After he was released in 1990, he became a member of parliament for the ANC. He also wrote a book about his time in prison called No Bread for Mandela.
Contents
Ahmed Kathrada's Early Life
Ahmed Kathrada was born on August 21, 1929. He grew up in a small town called Schweizer-Reneke in South Africa. He was the fourth of six children in his family. His parents were Indian immigrants from Surat, India.
When he moved to Johannesburg, he met important leaders. These leaders inspired him to become a political activist. At just 12 years old, he joined the Young Communist League of South Africa. He helped by handing out flyers and doing volunteer work. He even protested against unfair laws in 1941.
Becoming a Young Activist
During World War II, Ahmed also joined a group that was against the war. This group was called the Non-European United Front. He was always involved in fighting for what he believed was right.
Fighting for Fairness
At 17, Ahmed left school to work full-time. He joined the Transvaal Passive Resistance Council. This group was fighting against a law called the "Ghetto Act." This law was very unfair to Indian people. It limited where they could live, work, and own land. It also gave them very little say in politics.
First Time in Jail
Ahmed Kathrada was one of many volunteers who were arrested for protesting this law. He spent a month in a jail in Durban, South Africa. This was his first time in prison for standing up for civil rights. Later, he became the leader of the Transvaal Indian Youth Congress.
Traveling for Change
While studying at the University of the Witwatersrand, Ahmed traveled to East Berlin in 1951. He went as a representative for the Transvaal Indian Youth Congress. He was chosen to lead the large group of South African students. He stayed in Europe for a while, attending meetings and working for a youth organization.
Working with Nelson Mandela
In the 1950s, African and Indian groups started working together more closely. This allowed Kathrada to meet important leaders like Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu. He was one of 156 people accused in the Treason Trial, which lasted from 1956 to 1960. Luckily, everyone was found not guilty.
After the ANC and other anti-apartheid groups were banned in 1960, Kathrada continued his work. He faced many arrests and house arrests. To keep fighting, he went "underground" in 1962. This meant he worked secretly to avoid being caught.
The Rivonia Trial
On July 11, 1963, Kathrada was arrested. He was found at a secret meeting place near Johannesburg. This place belonged to Umkhonto we Sizwe, which was the military part of the ANC.
Facing Serious Charges
Even though Kathrada was not part of Umkhonto we Sizwe, he was included in the famous Rivonia Trial. This trial began in October 1963. He was accused of trying to overthrow the government and start a war.
The trial ended in June 1964. Kathrada was sentenced to life in prison. He was jailed along with Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and many other brave activists.
Years in Prison
For 18 years, Ahmed Kathrada was held at the Robben Island Maximum Security Prison. This prison is on an island off the coast of Cape Town. Many of his friends from the Rivonia Trial were also there. In 1982, he was moved to Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison near Cape Town.
Learning Behind Bars
While in prison, Kathrada continued to learn. He earned a Bachelor's degree in History and Criminology. He also completed three other degrees. His family helped him by paying for his studies.
On October 15, 1989, Kathrada was finally released from Johannesburg prison. Many other activists were released with him, including Walter Sisulu.
Life After Release
After the ANC was allowed to operate again in February 1990, Kathrada became a leader in the group. He was elected to the ANC National Executive Committee in 1991. He also became the head of public relations for the ANC.
Serving the New South Africa
In 1992, Kathrada went on a special religious journey called the Hajj to Mecca.
In 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections. Kathrada was elected as a member of parliament for the ANC. He was offered a job as a government minister, but he said no. He believed he joined the fight for freedom, not for power. Instead, he became a special advisor to President Mandela. He left parliament in 1999.
Working for Heritage
Kathrada also became the chairperson of the Robben Island Council. This group helps manage the Robben Island Museum. He worked to preserve the history of the prison and the fight against apartheid. In 2013, he started a campaign from the island to free other political prisoners around the world.
Ahmed Kathrada was married to Barbara Hogan, who was also a government minister. In 2008, he started the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation. This foundation continues his work of fighting for justice and equality.
In 2017, Kathrada appeared in a documentary film. It was called “Life is Wonderful” and told the story of the Rivonia Trial. He was in the film with other survivors of the trial.
His Passing
Ahmed Kathrada passed away on March 28, 2017, in Johannesburg. He was 87 years old. He died from problems related to a blood clot in his brain.
A Simple Farewell
He was buried the next day in Johannesburg, following Islamic traditions. Many people came to his funeral, including leaders and regular citizens. It was described as a simple ceremony, full of respect. Former President Thabo Mbeki and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa were there. Even though President Jacob Zuma was not there, he ordered the South African flag to be flown at half-mast to honor Kathrada.
Awards and Recognition
Ahmed Kathrada received many honors for his dedication.
- In 1988, while still in prison, he received the Isitwalandwe Medal. This is the highest award given by the ANC.
- He also received four special degrees from universities in the United States. These included the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Michigan State University.
- In 2004, he was voted 46th in the "Top 100 Great South Africans."
- In 2005, he received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award from India.
- In 2011, he and his wife were special guests at a Nelson Mandela International Day event. He shared his experiences with children there.
See also
In Spanish: Ahmed Kathrada para niños
- Pravasi Bharatiya Samman
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
- Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
