Johannesburg : Ahmed Kathrada, South Africa’s Indian-origin freedom struggle veteran and confidante of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, has received a knighthood from the French government for his lifelong service to the community. Kathrada, 85, joined former President Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and author Nadine Gordimer as the only South Africans to have received French national honours.
The award is part of the National Orders of the Legion of Honour established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. The order of Chevalier (Knight) is made to people who have served a minimum of 20 years of public service or 25 years of professional activity, and who have done more than is ordinarily expected in contributing to the development of others.
Presenting the award on Tuesday on France’s national Bastille Day, French ambassador to South Africa Elisabeth Barbier commended Kathrada for his efforts in ensuring democracy in South Africa.
