South african struggle stalwart ahmed kathrada, known for his humour, humility and humanity, was given a hero’s send-off. But Jacob Zuma, though absent, loomed large.
Incorruptible, selfless and a man of integrity who stood his ground till the very end is how anti-apartheid icon Ahmed Kathrada will forever be remembered. Indeed, those were the words on everyone’s lips as he was laid to rest on the sombre morning of March 29 at the Westpark Cemetery in Randburg in Johannesburg.
Kathrada had passed away at the age of 87 the day before at the Donald Gordon Hospital following complications from a brain surgery that eventually took his life.
At his funeral, Nelson’s Mandela’s favorite comrade drew an entire Rainbow Nation of mourners, from political heavyweights to the wives, sons and daughters of liberation fighters, to ordinary citizens who loved him and who he loved.
The one thing the thousands gathered had in common was their utmost admiration and reverence for Uncle Kathy, as he was called, the man who had fought for South Africa’s freedom with blood, sweat and tears.
But they did not shed tears, instead they reflected in unison, on the political future and failures of the day, almost echoing the words the man would have himself uttered had he been there.
It was a morning when much was talked about, from those present, about those who were conspicuously not.
Most top African National Congress (ANC) leaders, including Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe, and former president Thabo Mbeki, attended the funeral. Also present was Pravin Gordhan (who would be axed a day later as Finance Minister by President Jacob Zuma in what would be an overnight cabinet reshuffle).
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April-May 2017 من Forbes Woman Africa.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April-May 2017 من Forbes Woman Africa.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Well-Grounded
Coco Cachalia, whose mother Amina was among the 20,000 in the Women’s March of August 1956, made a decision to stay away from politics – and succeed in business instead.
Art Becomes Her
A celebrated international fine artist, Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi overcame the struggles of apartheid, and her work is grounded in her past.
'Not Just Pro-Women But Pro-Progress'
South Africa’s Minister of Women Susan Shabangu on the significance of the 61st anniversary of Women’s Day, and the role men can play in ending gender violence in South Africa and creating an equal society.
Diversity And Inclusion Are Part Of Baker Mckenzie's DNA
According to Law360’s 2017 Glass Ceiling Report, women make up around one-third of the attorneys in private legal practice. Among the law firms surveyed, just below 23% of partners are female.
We, Men For Women
South Africa still has a long way to go for gender justice in business and in life, but with more men openly stepping forward to be a part of the discourse, FORBES WOMAN AFRICA speaks to two male entrepreneurs, a CEO and a social activist. They acknowledge diversity makes smart social and economic sense that will benefit all.
What, After All, Does Feminism Have To Do With Men?
According to the seminal African-American writer bell hooks (her name is not capitalized), feminism is for everybody.
Blood, Setbacks And Tears
Two sisters with common failures and a dream to eventually succeed.
Fighting To The End
In May, 82 more Chibok girls were released in exchange for Boko Haram prisoners. Oby Ezekwesili, a strong advocate in the campaign to bring them back, has vowed to never stop fighting.
Not Just Hard Work, But Heart Work
As incidents of gender-based violence increase in Africa, those like Nigeria’s Kemi Dasilva-Ibru, are trying to bring relief to stigmatized victims.
Going Down The Spice Route
Essie Bartels worked several odd jobs she hated before opening a company selling mouth-watering spices and sentiments to the world.
