Parktown – Struggle stalwart and former President Nelson Mandela’s long-time friend, Ahmed Kathrada, said he missed Madiba, shortly after casting his vote on Wednesday morning.
This was the first time that President Mandela was not present, when Kathrada, who was accompanied by Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile, cast his vote at the University of Witswatersrand education campus.
“We miss him, not only today, but all the time. But, he was a human being and the time comes when human beings are no longer with us.
“The policy that he was wedded to is firmly in place. Although we miss him, we know President Zuma and his fellow executive members are carrying out the policy that is laid down by the ANC, the same policy that Madiba and President Mbeki carried out,” he said.
When Kathrada arrived at the voting station in Parktown, his vote was delayed as young people, who were excited to see him, stopped him and asked to pose for pictures with him.
With a big smile, Kathrada was patient as many took turns using their camera phones.
Later, Kathrada said it was important for young people to vote.
“They must exercise their vote. Many people sacrificed their lives to be able to vote and particularly we appeal to the young people because it is their future,” he said.
Minister Mashatile said he was happy with how smoothly voting had gone so far.
“I am very happy. I voted at Buccleuch Primary School and already at 6am when I was there, the queues were starting. It shows that that there is no voter apathy in South Africa. People are very active and it is good for democracy,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
