NPR

Late Anti-Apartheid Leader Ahmed Kathrada: 'Don't Harbor Hatred And Revenge'

The anti-apartheid activist, who died Tuesday, worked to end apartheid alongside Nelson Mandela. In his later years, he lamented South Africa's divisions and criticized President Jacob Zuma.
Ahmed Kathrada, an anti-apartheid activist and close friend of former South African President Nelson Mandela, died Tuesday in Johannesburg.

Ahmed Kathrada, a former political prisoner, politician, anti-apartheid activist and lifelong friend to Nelson Mandela, died Tuesday at a Johannesburg hospital at age 87. In recent years, he had expressed concerns about his country's direction, and called last year for the resignation of President Jacob Zuma.

An activist with the African National Congress, Kathrada — known for decades by his nickname Kathy, and later in life, as Uncle Kathy — was jailed for decades along with Mandela. He was a defendant in South Africa's two historic trials: the five-year which started in 1956 and precipitated a turn in the African National Congress's reaction to apartheid, and the, in which anti-apartheid leaders were charged with plotting violent revolution.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min readAmerican Government
House Foreign Aid Bills Advance With Democrats' Help; Johnson May Still Be In Peril
With Democratic support, the legislation overcomes a major procedural hurdle and is expected to head to a weekend vote by the full House.
NPR3 min read
A Cartoonist's Guide To Navigating 'Normal'
Cartoonist Liana Finck has spent years learning the "rules" of social interactions. She's not convinced. Her comics poke fun at the contradictions and absurdities of daily life and modern parenting.
NPR4 min read
From Jailhouse Melodies To Vanishing Salmon, Rejuvenate Your Listening History
Enjoy the spring bloom, get outside, listen to a new podcast! The NPR One team has gathered a few returning favorites as well as some fresh releases from across public media.

Related Books & Audiobooks