Thabo Mbeki: ANC must honour Kathrada by addressing its challenges
Former president Thabo Mbeki says Ahmed Kathrada was committed to correcting the wrongs in the ANC, a commitment which demonstrated his loyalty to the movement.
Mbeki paid tribute to the struggle stalwart at his foundation's offices in Killarney. Mbeki says although Kathrada was frail, he was still committed to fighting for a democratic South Africa.
Kathrada will be laid to rest in the west park cemetery on Wednesday. Mbeki described him as a humble person and someone who was a constant source of wisdom.
"Kathy was a resource person because of his experience in the struggle and because of his intellect, so we would always consult him to hear what his views were. He was a very modest person," Mbeki said.
He added that Kathrada always knew how to approach any given issue and that, before Kathrada passed away, he had hoped to see the ANC restored to its former glory.
"He belonged to a group of ANC veterans called the 101 veterans so his view the last time I met him was that the intervention by the veterans would ensure that the ANC addresses the challenges that it faces."
Mbeki added that Kathrada was fearless in his determination to address the "wrongs" within the party he loved so much.
"Kathy was correct in going public in terms of their engagement with the ANC leadership. They confronted ANC leaders directly - exactly what Kathy wanted," Mbeki said.