By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says Aziz Pahad represented South Africa with passion and clarity and played a significant role in educating the nation about the country’s early democracy, international relations, and South Africa’s role in the world.
Pahad was laid to rest in a special Category 2 funeral at the Westpark cemetery on Saturday.
Pahad died on Wednesday at the age of 82.
His passing came a mere three months after the passing of his older brother Essop Pahad.
“Aziz Pahad was a consummate diplomat not only in the service of our country but in support of causes for freedom and justice elsewhere in the world, notably advocating the plight of the Palestinian people,” said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa painted a poignant picture of the loss felt not just by the Pahad family but also by the ANC, SA’s diplomatic community, and the wider democratic movement.
He said Pahad’s passing was particularly painful for his family, who had already lost sons Essop and Junaid.
Ramaphosa also described Pahad as a mentor to many in the diplomatic community, as well as an integral part of South Africa’s journey to democracy.
He acknowledged Pahad as one of the pillars of the fight for liberation and democracy.
The president emphasised how Pahad and other stalwarts of the liberation struggle served as roots which nourish the tree of South African democracy.
“These great men and women, of whom Aziz Pahad was one, were the roots that nourished the tree of our democracy. It feels as though a part of us has gone with them”, Ramaphosa said.
Pahad was remembered not just for his activism, but also for his influential role in the ANC and his service as deputy minister of foreign affairs from 1994 to 2008.
His funeral was attended by former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi as well as other leaders .
National Assembly Speaker, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and the NCOP chairperson, Amos Masondo said Pahad’s life was characterised by a deep sense of responsibility and a profound belief in the cause of freedom.
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has praised Pahad, narrating how she learned quite a few valuable lessons from him.
“If I turn out bad, please blame Aziz because he taught me how to do and handle matters the best way I can,” Dlamini-Zuma said, applauding Pahad’s work.
She described Pahad as a revolutionary, visionary, and powerful leader who wanted to bring about change for the people, as well as the country. She painted him as a person who had great influence in the country, politically and socially.
She further described him as a teacher and mentor who had taught them about the solidarity movement. She added that he channelled them into a group of people who would be able to tackle problems facing the country.
She stated the country would not have been able to be more democratic without Pahad’s contribution to championing the liberation of the country.
“The history and story of liberation is incomplete without Aziz’s contribution. It is no coincidence that he wrote in his biography that his life experience cannot be separated from the ANC and SACP, “she said.
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