Essop Pahad, a revered anti-apartheid fighter and former Minister in the Presidency of South Africa, has passed away at 84, as confirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office. President Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow, honoring Mr. Pahad’s invaluable contributions to South African democracy.
Essop Pahad’s journey, spanning over six decades, was shaped by adversity, including security crackdowns, bans, and exile, as he dedicated himself to the struggle against white-minority rule. Initially associated with the Transvaal Indian Congress, he later joined the African National Congress (ANC), President Ramaphosa‘s own party. Despite being arrested and exiled in the 1960s, his unwavering commitment to the ANC persisted.
Returning to South Africa in 1990, the very year the ANC ban was lifted, marked a turning point. It was the beginning of a transformative decade that witnessed the dismantling of apartheid and the birth of a democratic government.
In the subsequent years, Pahad served as a Minister in the Presidency during President Thabo Mbeki’s tenure from 1999 to 2008, leaving an indelible impact on the early development and progress of the democratic state.
Essop Pahad’s legacy extends beyond his political roles; he is remembered as a profound thinker and strategist. With 65 years of involvement in the struggle for justice, his life story epitomises resilience, fortitude, and an unwavering dedication to the ideals of equality and freedom.
Africa mourns the loss of a true hero whose contributions will forever be etched in the nation’s history.