Twitter Mourns The Passing Of Ahmed Kathrada

Africa has woken up to the sad news that former ANC stalwart and anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada has passed away.

“Uncle Kathy” as he was affectionately know by, passed on Tuesday morning due to postoperative complications after going in for surgery  related to blood clotting on his brain earlier this month.

The 87 year old, will be remembered for the role he played in the Rivonia Trial, as he and 8 other iconic struggle heroes, which included Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki and Walter Sisulu, were sentenced to prison for conspiracy and sabotage.

Kathrada will forever be in the hearts of South Africans because of his unwavering support of human rights and his love and passion for South Africa.

People from around Africa have been paying tribute to a hero on twitter:

#AhmedKathrada passed away at 3.45am. His request was to have no life support machinery. He felt when his time was up he needed to go..

— Leanne Manas (@LeanneManas) March 28, 2017

https://twitter.com/ElishBholanath/status/846615136840404992

Rest In Peace Uncle Kathy. We will always cling to your example as one of our country's great moral compasses. pic.twitter.com/8fqggoABa6

— Patricia de Lille (@PatriciaDeLille) March 28, 2017

RIP "Uncle Kathy" Ahmed #kathrada anti apartheid hero, Robben Island prisoner, #Mandela's great friend, and a very kind & gentle man pic.twitter.com/mtE0hHlK8m

— Ben de Pear (@bendepear) March 28, 2017

Rest in perfect Peace Uncle Kathy, your last wish remains our command. We will continue the good fight against Kleptocracy and State Capture

— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) March 28, 2017

Take your final salute cde Kathy.
You have served South Africa well.
Have a deserved rest.
It is for the rest to serve South Africa well.

— Vusi Pikoli (@VusiPikoli) March 28, 2017

We continue to hold you in our hearts,thoughts & prayers my dearest friend. Please keep the #Kathrada family & Uncle Kathy in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/nsbnjNW3Cq

— CATHERINE CONSTANTINIDES (@ChangeAgentSA) March 27, 2017

#AhmedKathrada [WATCH] grand nephew Aziz Kathrada says his family is sad but are standing tall like giants #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/kjdseejXhC

— Chriselda Zozi Lewis (Babes Wendaba) (@Chriseldalewis) March 28, 2017

Deeply sad day for South Africa with the passing of a national hero and a global icon of peace #AhmedKathrada RIP #UncleKathy 🙏 pic.twitter.com/oNDheLw0Hx

— Lindsay…💕 (@Lindslays_) March 28, 2017

https://twitter.com/PhemeloPaledi/status/846612424585306112

RIP #AhmedKathrada…We are blessed to have had you as a symbol of freedom in our lifetime. 💐 pic.twitter.com/WSjNRsn1ym

— Jayshree Naidoo (@jayshnaidoo) March 28, 2017