exhibitions – Kathy, the man behind the public figure

Kathy – The man behind the public figure, is an exhibition depicting the less public life of struggle stalwart and recipient of the African National Congress’ highest award, Isithwalandwe, Ahmed Kathrada. The exhibition, which covers themes such as food, lover, celebrity, historian, man and children gives visitors a well rounded picture of Comrade Kathy, as he is affectionately known.

Kathrada was an MK cadre who was one of the organisers of the Defiance Campaign. He was also sentenced in the Treason and Rivonia Trials, where he shared the dock with Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu, among others. He was sentenced to 26 years behind bars, which he served on Robben Island and later, at Pollsmoor Prison.

In this exhibition he shares his prison experiences with a display of some of the utensils they used in prison. Pictures of Kathrada with South Africa’s first democratic cabinet, standing with President Nelson Mandela, feature prominently, as do his some of his published writings.

At Kathrada’s 80th birthday on 15 August 2009,  South African President Jacob Zuma said: “His life stands out as a testament of who we should be and how we should conduct ourselves in the cause of a revolutionary struggle and social transformation. On a personal level, he has displayed a life of simplicity, complete humility and honesty. He has maintained a modest lifestyle despite his considerable achievements. His love for children, which stems from the years of deprivation experienced in prison, remains a hallmark of his character and a guiding force in his work, even today.”

The exhibition was designed by Oryx Multimedia in Cape Town.

The exhibition is open to the public and visitors can see it at the Trade Route Mall in Lenasia, Johannesburg.