MADIBA PAYS TRIBUTE TO AHMED KATHRADA AT MEMOIRS LAUNCH IN LENASIA
On Saturday 22 August 2004 the ANC Lenasia Branch hosted the Launch of the Memoirs of Comrade Ahmed Kathrada at the Saaberie Chisty Hall, the event was to celebrate Kathy's 75 Birthday as well.
A large amount of well known former activists, community leaders and local residents attended this well organised event, which had the hall filled to capacity. Minutes after the event started Program Director for the day Cheryl Caroulus welcomed a surprise guest and the stunned crowd burst into cheering and clapping when Former President Nelson Mandela walked into the hall, the crowd gave Madiba a huge standing ovation which lasted several minutes. This surprise visit by Madiba was the highlight of a fitting tribute to Kathy who served 26 years in prison with Madiba.
In his usual jolly manner Madiba joked that he was not invited as he knows Kathy has critised him in his book. Madiba said " I am here to compliment Kathy for the work he has done" he also said " I could not miss this occassion to congratulate Kathy on his book which takes an indepth look at the struggle of our cause". Madiba also commented that there should be no reason why the Indian community should be only in Lenasia and in the old days Indians where everywhere in the struggle. Madiba was then ushered out of the hall and as he left he chatted to people especially the young ones and wished everyone well.
Some of the dignitaries and guests who attended the event to commemorate The Launch of Ahmed Kathrada's Memoirs and to celebrate his 75th Birthday were Minister in the Presidents Office Essop Pahad, Former Transport Minister Mac Maharaj, Cyril Ramaphosa, Issu Lalloo, Dr Rashid A.M Salojee, Ismail Vadi, Nobel prize recipient Nadine Gordimer, Justice Fikile Bham, Dr Essop Jassat, Former Finance Minister Chris Liebenberg, Movie Producer Anant Singh, foreign visitors included the British High Commisioner well as the head of the US based Artist against Apartheid..
Issu Lalloo Chiba who was imprisoned with Kathy on Robben Island paid tribute to him on behalf of the Kathrada family. Issu related many incidents during their imprisonment and mentioned that Kathy took a keen interest in his family and friends and ensured that he was always kept informed of family matters, his niece Zohra used to update Kathy on all family matters by writing to him regularly to such an extent that she was denied access to him for 14 years. Issu said "Kathy would not tell you what you would like to hear, but would rather tell you what you don't want to hear". He described Kathy as a selfless, warm hearted, fearless, generous, high sense of moral value, accomodating, committed and dedicated person who never allowed himself to harbour hatred gainst anyone.
Issu said "over the past 45 years he had been my political mentor, close confidant and anything political or private that I needed advice on I would discuss with Kathy first", he said that Kathy was "a source of inspiration and a pillar of strength". In closing Issu said that "In his own humble way Kathy has taken his place as one of the great political giants of our country".
In his speech Cyril Ramaphosa said that the memoirs of Kathy is a "gift to all of us, a gift to our nation" and that it accounts the events in our campaign. he also said that when one reads these memoirs one gets an understanding in the history of our movement. He said "Comrade Kathy says that writing these memoirs was a fulfilment of a promise that he made when he was in prison." He mentions that these memoirs also accounts on the pain that Kathy experienced during the struggle. He said that "When Comrade Kathy was awarded the highest award in the ANC in 1988, he was the only person in the history of the ANC to write a letter to the ANC to say that he did not deserve it".
When Ahmed Kathrada was called upon to deliver his speech, he was greeted by a rousing applause and standing ovation from the crowd. Kathy thanked the many guests who attended todays function as well as all those who were involved in putting the memoirs together. A large cake was presented to Kathy by the Lenasia ANC branch to celebrate his 75 Birthday.
After the proceedings snacks were served and guests had the opportunity to have their books autographed by Ahmed Kathrada. The Lenasia ANC Branch were congratulated on the excellent work that they had done in putting togther an event of this magnitude.
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