The Durban University of Technology joins the nation in mourning the loss of liberation stalwart, freedom fighter and human rights activist Ahmed Kathrada.

Last April, DUT conferred its highest honour on Kathrada, when the University awarded him with an Honorary Doctorate. Kathrada accepted the honour with humility and delivered an inspiring acceptance speech at the graduation ceremony in Durban.

DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, extended his sincere condolences on behalf of the University community to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Ahmed Kathrada. The Vice-Chancellor said, “It is sad that one of our struggle icons has passed on at a time when our democracy is shaky, so much looks bleak, and when principled, selfless leadership is sorely needed. Since life and death are complimentary, let’s hope his death nourishes newness, change and profundity in leadership that his life had epitomised.”

Kathrada was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Arts and Design by DUT on 22 April 2016. The Honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree was awarded to Kathrada in recognition of his outstanding contribution towards human rights, social justice as well to literature.

Kathrada’s interest in literature began at a tender age of 12, when he distributed political leaflets. Although he dropped out of his formal studies in matric to become a full-time political activist, he was also amongst the first Robben Island prisoners to complete a university degree. After this, he continued studying and completed his second degree and then two honours degrees.

His many writings have become pearls of wisdom. This includes his books, such as Memoirs, where he reflected on his time whilst incarcerated on Robben Island and at Pollsmoor Prison. From the Island, Kathrada also wrote many letters to his niece, which is now also archived in a publication.

Interestingly, Kathrada was chosen by his fellow prisoners to head their “communications” work on the Island. Working closely with Mac Maharaj and Laloo Chiba, Kathrada creatively came up with ways to keep the channels of communication open between prisoners and the outside world.
He had also contributed significantly to Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, which was smuggled out of prison and formed the basis for Long Walk to Freedom.

– Sinegugu Ndlovu

Pictured: Ahmed Kathrada being hooded by Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, DUT Registrar, during his graduation ceremony where he was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in recognition of his outstanding contribution towards human rights, social justice as well as to literature.