Freedom fighter Ahmed Kathrada chose to celebrate his 86th birthday with as many children as possible.
|||Johannesburg - His birthday wish was to spend the day with as many children as possible – and that’s exactly the way freedom fighter Ahmed Kathrada celebrated his 86th birthday on Friday.
After visiting a number of schools in Bloemfontein this week, Kathrada returned to Joburg to continue his birthday celebrations with pupils at the Shree Bharat Sharda Mandir (SBSM) School in Lenasia, Joburg.
The Struggle stalwart spent the morning interacting with pupils, and enjoying birthday cake with them. Pupils at the school were also treated to an hour-long documentary based on Kathrada’s life.
When it came time to cut the chocolate cake, the 86-year-old looked visibly excited. “We didn’t get cake in prison, so it’s something I really look forward to…
And if no one wants any cake, I’ll be more than happy to take the rest of it home with me,” he joked.
Kathrada said that the best present he could wish for is the well-being of children.
“When one can be satisfied that every child goes to bed with a full stomach, gets up smiling, goes to school properly clothed and does not have to walk a great distance to school – when that happens, then only can we be satisfied.”
Kathrada added that his birthday message this year had been specifically aimed at the youth of South Africa.
“We need to remind the youth that the freedom that they enjoy and all of us enjoy did not fall from heaven. Freedom was fought for, freedom was sacrificed for, and many people did not live to see that.
“With freedom comes responsibilities, and in South Africa the majority of people are the youth, so the responsibility is on them.
“While they are enjoying the fruits of freedom, they must never forget the responsibility that comes with freedom.”
Kathrada said his most memorable birthday to date was his 85th birthday which he spent with his “twin”, fellow Struggle stalwart Emma Mashinini.
“I had the privilege of spending my last birthday with my twin Emma Mashinini. We were born on the same day in the same month and the same year, so we regard each other as twins. The first message I got this morning was from her. It was a pleasant and happy way to start off my birthday.”
Kathrada is expected to celebrate his birthday throughout the weekend visiting other schools to motivate the youth to stay positive.
Saturday Star
