The country reacts to the passing of Ahmed Kathrada

We all woke up to the tragic news that ANC stalwart Ahmed Kathrada, had passed away. The 87 year old died peacefully after undergoing brain surgery recently.

He spent more than 26 years in prison; 18 of which were in Robben Island.

Here’s what the ANC’s secretary-general Gwede Mantashe had to say about his tragic passing:

“The African National Congress dips its revolutionary banner in mourning on the passing of Isithwalandwe/Seaparankoe Comrade Ahmed Mohamed Kathrada, fondly known as Uncle Kathy. The title of Isithwalandwe/Seaparankoe is the highest honour that can be bestowed by the African National Congress (ANC) and the people of South Africa on those who have made an outstanding contribution and sacrifice to the liberation struggle. With the passing of Comrade Kathy the nation has lost a titan, an outstanding leader and a great patriot – a man who stands apart for his service to the people of South Africa, and to the country

A number of South African’s have taken to social media to offer their condolences since earing the news. Here are just a few of the messages.

Rest In Peace Uncle Kathy ✊?

A post shared by Terry Pheto (@terrypheto) on Mar 28, 2017 at 12:36am PDT

Sad to wake up to the news of the passing of #AhmedKathrada – One of the greatest and most selfless leaders we ever had. RIP Uncle Kathy??? pic.twitter.com/NxEzcKEuxc

— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) March 28, 2017

One of the last of the great ones, the great warriors of the apartheid revolution. Rest In Peace Ahmed Kathrada. Image from Liam Lynch

A post shared by Simphiwe Dana ??? (@simphiwedana) on Mar 28, 2017 at 12:30am PDT

To Ntate #AhmedKathrada, your life was spent in the fight for our freedom. May your soul rest in revolutionary peace #RIP pic.twitter.com/CmaFBcxD5Y

— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) March 28, 2017

I once had the privilege of experiencing Robben Island through you. Unforgettable day. RIP Uncle Kathy ??

A post shared by Mpho Maboi (@mphomaboi) on Mar 27, 2017 at 10:45pm PDT

The life of struggle icon #AhmedKathrada is a lesson on significance through selfless service to humanity.Condolences to family &friends pic.twitter.com/9ramhXpSe3

— Adv Thuli Madonsela (@ThuliMadonsela3) March 28, 2017

At the funeral of Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada spoke. You could hear the heart break in his voice when he said, “When Walter died, I lost a father. And now, I have lost a brother. My life is a void, I don’t know who to turn to.” With Ahmed Kathrada’s passing, we are the ones left without knowing who to turn to. RIP.

A post shared by khaya dlanga (@khayadlanga) on Mar 27, 2017 at 10:27pm PDT

Privileged to have met struggle icon #AhmedKathrada . May his soul RIP pic.twitter.com/H67ZZM6kUh

— Mbuso Mkhize (@MbusoRSA) March 28, 2017

We thank you. We honor you. Rest in peace Tat’ #AhmedKathrada pic.twitter.com/MuOrCGvjH5

— Cece (@Cebisa_Lu) March 28, 2017

Rest in perfect peace Uncle Kathy? #AhmedKathrada pic.twitter.com/OXOsgQUh5G

— Lindelwa Angel Godie (@Godie_Lee) March 28, 2017

You did great for your country???????? Robala Ka Kgotso Ntate……#AhmedKathrada#RIPAhmedKathrada pic.twitter.com/yJErUaEZn5

— Teboho Sehobai (@tsehobai) March 28, 2017