Ahmed 'Kathy' Kathrada: A South African Activist for Non-Racialism and Democracy

The hours for the exhibit will be April 18-May 31, M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guided tours and weekend hours available upon special request; contact Debbie Burton at Debbie.Burton@uky.edu or (859) 257-5821 to make arrangements.

*Lafferty Hall - Map and Notes for visit

*View the Exhibit Brochure

Ahmed Mohamed Kathrada (or ‘Kathy’ as he is popularly known) was born in 1929 to Indian immigrants in a rural town in South Africa. It was during a period of racism and oppression of human rights in that country. Kathy was only 12 when he began a life of tireless activism for non-racialism and democracy. He was arrested several times and, along with eight friends and fellow activists including Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu, he was sentenced to life imprisonment at the famous Rivonia Trial. He spent 26 years in prison, 18 of which were on Robben Island.

In 2006, President Barack Obama toured Robben Island, South Africa with Ahmed Kathrada, a former prison mate of Nelson Mandela on the island. (Photo Pete Souza - Chicago Tribune)

Kathy was released from prison in 1989 and, in 1994, in the new democratic South African government, he was elected to the South African Parliament and served as President Mandela’s Parliamentary Counselor. Kathy is the recipient of numerous national and international awards, is a prolific author, and, while in prison, earned four university degrees.

Kathy’s exemplary leadership continues to inspire South Africans and others around the world to work for freedom, non-racialism, and democracy.

This exhibition was originally developed on the occasion of Kathy’s 80th birthday by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Museum. This U. S. version was produced by the University of Kentucky and Michigan State University. The exhibition provides insights into ‘Kathy’ the individual and honors his commitment to non-racialism and democracy.

Exercises, vocabulary lists and some suggestions to make your trip a rich and rewarding educational experience. Below is an example video that can be used. View the curriculum attachment.