By Gail Hairston
An international hero — a friend, ally and cellmate to the great Nelson Mandela in the global fight for equality and justice — has died at 87, and many in the University of Kentucky community grieve with the world. South African anti-apartheid leader Ahmed Kathrada, who dedicated his life to the belief that all men and women are born free and equal, died “peacefully in a Johannesburg hospital after a short period of illness, following surgery,” according to communications from his family.
Kathrada spent more than 26 years in prison‚ 18 on Robben Island. While in prison he earned four university degrees: a bachelor’s in history and criminology‚ one in African politics and library science‚ a bachelor honors degree in history and a second bachelor honors degree in African politics.
Nearly six years ago, Kathrada visited UK as a guest of the College of Arts and Sciences and its yearlong initiative “Kentucky and South Africa, Different Lands, Common Ground.” During his four days in Lexington, Kathrada received an honorary degree from the university; presided at the opening of an exhibit devoted to him, “Ahmed 'Kathy' Kathrada: A South African Activist for Non-Racialism and Democracy;” and honored other obligations, including an event at the Freedom Center in Cincinnati and a book tour stop at Joseph Beth's at Lexington Green for the American edition of Kathrada's memoir, “No Bread for Mandela,” published by the University Press of Kentucky. Kathrada also made time to speak with students, faculty and staff in a more intimate setting about his life and his beliefs.
“Ahmed Kathrada believed deeply in the importance of education and was very proud of his education in prison and the honorary degree that he got from UK,” said Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Mark Kornbluh.
“Ahmed Kathrada devoted his life to democracy, equality and social justice,” added Kornbluh. “He was unyielding in his commitment to fight against racism from his early teens, through 26 years in prison in Apartheid South Africa, through years spent transforming South African democracy to his last days when he continued to speak out for basic human values.
“Mr. Kathrada was known to his friends and to the entire nation of South Africa as ‘Kathy.’ I was honored to call Kathy my friend for almost 20 years,” Kornbluh said. “His wisdom, compassion and deep dedication to equality and justice combined with a personal warmth and playful intellect that was inspirational. The world is a better place for Kathy’s contributions.”
“The world lost one of its great leaders — a champion in the unending fight against oppression — with the passing of Ahmed Kathrada,” President Eli Capilouto said. “A self-taught man and recipient of the University of Kentucky’s highest honor, Dr. Kathrada — Kathy — committed his life to justice for all people, counsel to his friend Nelson Mandela, and a leader for South Africa and the broader scope of our humanity. When he visited UK, I was struck by his capacity to forgive his oppressors and work to better the lives of those he served. There are few examples of a life dedicated to human rights better than the legacy left by Ahmed Kathrada.”
News media around the globe honored Kathrada’s life today. Here are a few examples:
www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39414785
www.cnn.com/2017/03/28/africa/ahmed-kathrada-anti-apartheid-activist-dies/index.html
http://northcoastcourier.co.za/81452/schools-tribute-to-ahmed-kathrada/
www.nydailynews.com/news/world/ahmed-kathrada-anti-apartheid-activist-dies-87-article-1.3011062
http://fourwaysreview.co.za/fourways-news-team/
http://polity.org.za/article/akf-kathrada-passes-on-2017-03-28