Tributes continue to stream in following the death of anti-apartheid activist Aziz Pahad who died on Wednesday evening.
Fondly known as Bones, Pahad served as deputy minister of foreign affairs from 1994 to 2008.
He was 82 when he passed away in the presence of his family at his Saxonwold home in Johannesburg.
In his tribute, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “Our hearts go out to the Pahad family as they mourn the loss of two brothers and two outstanding servants of our people.”
Pahad’s bother Essop, who was the minister in the presidency, died early in 2023.
“Aziz Pahad worked for our freedom while in exile in the United Kingdom, Angola and Zambia – a period during which he played a diversity of roles including as a member of the ANC’s revolutionary council and the political military committee, and being part of the ANC negotiating team that secretly met representatives of the apartheid regime and leading members of the Afrikaner community.
“It was fitting that, in acknowledgment of his vast experience in international mobilisation against the apartheid regime, Aziz Pahad was appointed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the dawn of our democracy and our reintegration into the global community.
“Aziz Pahad was a consummate diplomat not only in the service of our country but in support of causes for freedom and justice elsewhere in the world, notably advocating the plight of the Palestinian people.
“Endearing of disposition and fierce of principle, he represented our nation with passion and clarity and played a significant role in educating the nation of our early democracy about international relations and South Africa’s role, place and vision in a world itself undergoing change at that time. May his soul rest in peace.”
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said Pahad will be remembered as a patriot, freedom fighter, and servant of the people.
“He was a dedicated member of the ANC, a brilliant diplomat, and a strategist who served as a member of parliament and deputy minister for international relations from 1994 to 2008,” said Mbalula.
The EFF also sent its condolences to Pahad’s family.
“Aziz Pahad was a freedom fighter and played a key role in the liberation struggle against the apartheid regime. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said the EFF in a statement.
Tshilidzi Marwala, the rector of the United Nations University and a close friend of Pahad, said he is devastated by the passing of the former minister.
“Pahad was a great friend. He has run his race, ours is to ensure that his goal of creating a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic society is achieved.”
In 2014, Pahad wrote an autobiography The Insurgent Diplomat, sharing his life and experiences.
Marwala said Pahad had the privilege of working under the guidance and leadership of former statesman Thabo Mbeki from the early 1960s, and later in exile in the UK, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola and various other countries.
Pahad is survived by his wife Angina, a brother, children, his granddaughter, and extended family members.
The family is yet to make an announcement on his burial arrangements.
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