Struggle stalwarts remember uncle Kathy
Former President Kgalema Motlanthe has paid tribute to the late Ahmed Kathrada, saying it is with a heavy heart that he has to say goodbye.
"Comrade Kathy was a very humble person but even in his humility he expressed his most honest views on any matter - regardless of who it was about," Motlanthe says.
He also says that he shared a flat with Kathrada in Cape Town and that one of the most important lessons he learnt from the struggle icon is to be honest.
"To Comrade Barbara, his wife, we say condolences. Your loss is our loss. We wish you strength as you go through this difficult period.
The leader of the UDM, Bantu Holomisa also passed the party's condolences to Kathrada's family, the ANC and the Foundation.
Ahmed Kathrada Foundation: "We are busy with funeral arrangements"
"The UDM takes note of Kathrada's role in the struggle of South Africa," Holomisa says.
Holomisa reflects on the time he hosted Kathrada shortly after he was released from Robben Island.
"The first time I met Kathy was in 1989 when we welcomed them in Umtata. He was accompanied by Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki and others," Holomisa says.
He adds that Kathrada was a humble person, a thinker and a great friend to Nelson Mandela.
"I remember watching Kathy speaking to Madiba with the greatest respect. It is a pity that he is departing at a time when the moral compass of this country is pointing south," Holomisa says.
Funeral arrangements for the struggle icon are yet to be finalised and announced.
Cope leader, Mosiuoa Lekota has joined a chorus of tributes by politicians following the death of struggle icon, Ahmed Kathrada, who died in a Johannesburg Hospital on Tuesday morning.
"I think we have lost one of the greatest human beings that South Africa has ever produced," Lekota says.
He adds that he is very sad to have lost Kathrada who spent most of his life committed to South Africa.
"He remained faithful to the cause for justice ever since he was imprisoned on Robben Island alongside Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela," Lekota says.
Lekota adds that Kathrada will continue to inspire generations to come.