MANCOSA Johannesburg names the auditorium in honour of a struggle hero

On the 16th of March 2017, the Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA) was proud to announce that an auditorium at the Johannesburg Learning Centre was named in honour of the late Ahmed Kathrada.

Mr N Balton, CEO of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, co-ordinated the programme which included a welcome address by Mrs Martha Moyo, Director at MANCOSA, who stated that MANCOSA was proud to name the auditorium after Ahmed Kathrada. MANCOSA academic, Ms Taelo Mokhabela gave an insightful presentation around the naming of the auditorium and highlighted the historical background of Ahmed Kathrada’s contribution to South Africa’s liberation.

An unveiling ceremony was conducted afterwards and a golden plaque was mounted the auditorium. The plaque reads; ‘Presented to Ahmed ‘Kathy’ Kathrada. To honour and recognise his dedication to the country’s liberation struggle and public service. Dedicated October 18, 2016.’

Professor Achille Mbembe from Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WISER) was the keynote speaker and his speech was on Mr Kathrada’s lifelong activism against racialism. He praised his leadership in the achievement of democracy in South Africa.

Professor Mbembe also highlighted issues concerning violence in our society, and further mentioned the important roles that were played by Ahmed Kathrada and Nelson Mandela during South Africa’s liberation struggle.

Professor Mbembe stated, “Part of what makes South Africa great, is that it has a deep archive of how struggles can be victoriously achieved. We cannot become leaders if we do not undergo a kind of transfiguration similar to the one Ahmed Kathrada and Nelson Mandela underwent in prison. There is no democracy or accountability without truth.”

Ms Gugu Selela, PR and Communications Officer, moved a vote of thanks on behalf of MANCOSA and concluded the event.