Former president Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela, has joined the chorus of well-wishers for the speedy recovery of struggle veteran Ahmed Kathrada.
This week President Jacob Zuma urged South Africans to put the stalwart in their prayers.
“The Royal House of Mandela wishes comrade Ahmed Kathrada, a stalwart of our South African revolution, a speedy recovery.
“He was admitted to hospital on March 4 for surgery related to blood clotting on the brain and we are heartened that his operation was successful and [that] he is in a stable condition.
“We hold him in our hearts and prayers as he embarks on the journey to full recovery,” Mandela said.
Kathrada was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964 along with fellow Rivonia Trialists, (Nelson) Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Elias Motsoaledi, Andrew Mlangeni and Denis Goldberg.
He is one of three Rivonia Trialists still alive today, the other two being Mlangeni and Goldberg.
Mandela, the chief of Mvezo and an ANC MP, said Kathrada was a hero and the living embodiment of the nation’s struggle.
“In this difficult time for comrade Kathrada, his family and our nation, we recognise the role and contribution he has played and continues to play in the development and transformation of our beloved country.
“We believe the country will continue to benefit for years to come from his political knowledge, values, ideals, and traditions acquired over decades,” Mandela said.
Mandela wished Kathrada a speedy recovery, saying he wished for many more years with the gentle, compassionate and caring character.
“Let us pay tribute to Uncle Kathy and his contribution to our freedom through dedicating our lives to the cause of changing our country and world for the better,” Mandela said.