President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC have extended their condolences to the family of Essop Pahad following the death of the struggle veteran.
Pahad died peacefully in his sleep early on Thursday, his family said.
The struggle veteran dedicated his life to the ANC and SACP during the apartheid era, playing an active role in the liberation struggle and fighting for the rights and freedom of the downtrodden.
Expressing appreciation for his gallantry, Ramaphosa described Pahad as a strategist with a remarkable understanding of the struggles faced by South Africans during the transition to democracy.
“Essop Pahad was a thinker and strategist who brought his understanding of the human condition, injustice, and inequality at the national and international level to bear on our transition to democracy and in introducing a democratic, non-aligned and activist South Africa to the global community,” Ramaphosa said.
“He served our nation with pride, principle, pragmatism, and a charm that lived comfortably alongside a tongue that could lash severely at the right provocation.
“Amid the excessive demands of his public life, Essop Pahad was deeply devoted to his wife, Meg, and was a proud and doting father and grandfather, who is now sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace.”
Sharing the same sentiments with the president, the governing party noted that Pahad was an inspiration and a testament to the party’s beliefs.
“Essop’s activism and lifetime of service continue to inspire us all. He is a testament to what we can accomplish if we remain resolute in our beliefs and fight for justice, even in the face of persecution and adversity,” the ANC said.
“His legacy will forever be remembered in the annals of South African history, and his contributions will never be forgotten.”
Essop will be laid to rest on Thursday afternoon at the West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg in accordance with Muslim rites.
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