Struggle icon Ahmed Kathrada became emotional during his farewell to his life-long friend, former president Nelson Mandela, at his state funeral in Qunu on Sunday.
"I don't consider him my friend. He was my older brother," Kathrada said.
His voice broke when he described the last time he saw Mandela. "reduced to a shadow of himself". It wavered with feeling when he said he and Mandela had called each other "Madala".
Flanked by two rows of candles, Kathrada stood at the podium in a dark suit and a striped, black and grey tie.
Earlier, the frail-looking anti-apartheid activist was helped on stage by an official, who held his hand.
Kathrada's address kept the audience enthralled. They loudly applauded for him and listened carefully to his sincere description of a life lived together.
"When Walter died, I lost a father and now I have lost a brother. My life is in a void and I don't know who to turn to," Kathrada concluded.
Kathrada was imprisoned with Mandela for 26 years, 18 years of which was on Robben Island. Mandela served a 27 year sentence.
Earlier, television personality Oprah Winfrey, raised her eyebrows in acknowledgement when African National Congress deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed her and other special guests to the funeral.
Ahmed Kathrada bids farewell to his life-long friend, former president Nelson Mandela
"I don't consider him my friend. He was my older brother," Kathrada said.
His voice broke when he described the last time he saw Mandela. "reduced to a shadow of himself". It wavered with feeling when he said he and Mandela had called each other "Madala".
Flanked by two rows of candles, Kathrada stood at the podium in a dark suit and a striped, black and grey tie.
Earlier, the frail-looking anti-apartheid activist was helped on stage by an official, who held his hand.
Kathrada's address kept the audience enthralled. They loudly applauded for him and listened carefully to his sincere description of a life lived together.
"When Walter died, I lost a father and now I have lost a brother. My life is in a void and I don't know who to turn to," Kathrada concluded.
Kathrada was imprisoned with Mandela for 26 years, 18 years of which was on Robben Island. Mandela served a 27 year sentence.
Earlier, television personality Oprah Winfrey, raised her eyebrows in acknowledgement when African National Congress deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed her and other special guests to the funeral.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos