By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Caption: Winnie Mandela (Left), Ishmail Ayob (Centre) and George Bizos (Right). Photo Credit: Cape Times.
The African National Congress (ANC) paid tribute to anti-apartheid lawyer Ismail Ayob’s, who played a pivotal role in representing former statesman Nelson Mandela and other Struggle icons.
Ayob passed away at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg, on Wednesday, 17 December 2025.
In a statement, ANC described Ayob as a distinguished legal practitioner and courageous ally of the liberation movement whose work contributed meaningfully to the struggle against apartheid and the pursuit of freedom in South Africa.
“His role required courage, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom, dignity, and human rights.”
Through his legal work and personal integrity, Ayob demonstrated the vital role played by progressive professionals who used their skills in service of justice and liberation, often at great personal risk. His contribution forms part of the broader tapestry of solidarity that sustained the movement during its most difficult years, read the statement.”
His passing marks the end of a career that placed him at the heart of South Africa’s liberation history, serving as a critical link between the imprisoned ANC leadership and the outside world.
During the 1970s, Ayob held the unique and precarious position of being the only lawyer permitted to visit Mandela during his incarceration on Robben Island.
Beyond this pivotal role, he served as the primary legal counsel to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela for many years and represented numerous other political prisoners targeted by the apartheid state.
Ayob continued to manage Mandela’s personal and legal affairs for several years following his release in 1990.
His five-decade legacy is defined by his steadfast commitment to the Mandela family and his navigation of a hostile judicial system to protect the leaders of the resistance movement.
Ayob’s funeral took place on Wednesday at 1 PM where he was laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg in accordance with Muslim burial rites.