Kader Asmal was one of the ANC’s foremost intellectual giants, the ANC said on Wednesday after the ruling party veteran’s death on Wednesday.
“The ANC is deeply saddened by news of the passing of one of the movement’s foremost intellectual giants … [his] passing … has come as a shock to all of us,” said spokesperson Jackson Mthembu.
“Comrade Kader’s immeasurable contribution in the liberation of South Africa ensured that the ANC earned respect from the international community and some progressive foreign governments.”
Asmal, 76, died on Wednesday in Constantia hospital in Cape Town after having a heart attack and slipping into a coma.
He was the minister of water affairs and forestry from 1994, a member of the ANC’s national executive committee, and education minister from 1999.
The ANC saluted the sacrifices made by Asmal for democracy and freedom.
“Without sacrifices made by Comrade Kader’s generation, we would still be experiencing colonial and apartheid oppression.” — Sapa