MANCOSA celebrates Heritage Day at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation 2017 Banquet Dinner

Integrity. Selfless leadership. Dedicated activism. Non-racialism.

These were the values and principles of a former struggle veteran that were honoured at a recent event at the Lifestyle Image Centre in Johannesburg on 24 September 2017. The life and legacy of Ahmed Kathrada or ‘Uncle Kathy’ as he is fondly known by millions of South Africans, was commemorated at a banquet dinner hosted by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation. ‘Uncle Kathy’ was a former Robben Island prisoner who served 26 years alongside the former President of the Republic of South Africa, Nelson Mandela and other Rivonia Trialists for their stance against the apartheid government.

Amongst the attendees were MANCOSA staff members who had the opportunity to listen to an encouraging keynote address by the Minister of Human Settlements, Lindiwe Sisulu. Sisulu paid tribute to the central figures in South Africa’s liberation struggle by highlighting the values of these veterans that ultimately led to social resistance, reconciliation, and reconstruction in South Africa. Sisulu went on to add that Kathrada’s vision of a unified and non-racial South Africa needed to be realised sooner rather than later, if the country is to overcome the ills of corruption and factionalism. Attendees at the banquet were treated to a spectacular performance by the Soweto Drum Boys, who concluded the event whilst dinner was served.