Kathrada Special Report

“He was the youngest of the Rivonia trialists imprisoned on Robben Island, and that gave him both access and a very particular role,” recalls Manuel.

“In this new phase of our struggle for democracy and freedom, the voices of giants like Ahmed ‘Kathy’ Kathrada sound ever more imperatively."

Kathrada also loved to dance, even with two left feet, and had a passion for ice-cream at midnight.

Growing up in a right-wing heartland gave Uncle Kathy first-hand experience of racial segregation.

‘He wasn’t afraid to speak to power’

Head into the township section that bears the stalwart’s name and it’s clear very little has changed.