Struggle stalwart Aziz Pahad dies at 82
Anti-apartheid stalwart and democratic South Africa's first Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad, has died.
Pahad family spokesperson Dr Fazel Randera confirmed his passing on Wednesday evening.
He was 82.
He was the younger brother of Essop Patel, who died three months ago.
Pahad served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1994 to 2008.
Dr Randera described Pahad as a patriot, freedom fighter and a servant of the people.
"Former deputy minister Pahad was a dedicated member of the ANC, a brilliant diplomat and strategist who served as Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister for International Relations from 1994 to 2008," said Randera.
He is survived by his wife Angina, brother, children, his granddaughter, and extended family members.
"He is also mourned by countless friends, comrades and colleagues, in South Africa and across the world," Randera added.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula described Pahad's passing as a sad and sombre moment for the movement.
"He was a wonderful person and a great strategist. May his revolutionary spirit continue to inspire our efforts to rebuild and renew our movement, especially in the light of the epic battle we face in the 2024 elections. We will always cherish the sacrifices and contributions he made towards freedom in our motherland," said Mbalula.
An announcement on funeral arrangements will be made in due course.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE PASSING OF COMRADE AZIZ PAHAD. #AzizPahad pic.twitter.com/FmejztKev1
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) September 27, 2023
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