Ramaphosa, Parliament mourn Aziz Pahad

Pahad was democratic South Africa's first Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Pahad family spokesperson Dr Fazel Randera confirmed his passing on Wednesday evening.

He was 82.

Pahad, who served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1994 to 2008, was the younger brother of Essop Patel, who died three months ago.

Ramaphosa extended condolences to the Pahad family as they mourn the loss of two brothers.

"Aziz Pahad worked for our freedom during his decades in exile in the United Kingdom, Angola, and Zambia- A period during which he played a diversity of roles including as a member of the ANC's Revolutionary Council and the Political-Military Committee and being part of the ANC negotiating team that secretly met representatives of the apartheid regime and also with leading members of the Afrikaner community.

“It was fitting that, in acknowledgment of his vast experience in the international mobilisation against the apartheid regime, Aziz Pahad was appointed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the dawn of our democracy and our reintegration into the global community.

“Aziz Pahad was a consummate diplomat not only in the service of our country but in support of causes for freedom and justice elsewhere in the world, notably advocating the plight of the Palestinian people," says Ramaphosa.

Ramaphosa said Pahad represented South Africa with passion and clarity and played a significant role in educating the nation of the country's early democracy about international relations and South Africa’s role in the world.

In a statement released on Thursday, National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and the NCOP chairperson Amos Masondo said Pahad's life was characterised by a deep sense of responsibility and a profound belief in the cause of freedom. 

"A committed patriot until the end, he devoted his entire existence to serving the people, epitomizing the very essence of selflessness, empathy, humility and sacrifice. His unwavering commitment to the struggle against apartheid carried the flame of hope for millions who yearned for a democratic South Africa.

“One of his crowning achievements was his instrumental role in mobilizing the international community against the apartheid South African government. His tireless efforts on this front contributed immensely to laying the groundwork for a global consensus that apartheid had no place in the modern world.

“Even after stepping away from the cabinet in 2008, Mr Pahad's commitment to serving his people endured. His appointments as President Jacob Zuma's envoy to Israel and Palestine in 2014 and his chairmanship of a policy review commission under President Cyril Ramaphosa reflected his ongoing dedication to advancing the nation's interests on the world stage.”

Pahad will be given a state funeral, combined with the ANC funeral, which will then be followed by a Muslim funeral

The funeral will take place at West Park Cemetery on Saturday.

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