Tributes pour in following death of Ahmed Kathrada

Listen to the full bulletin below. 

The anti-apartheid icon passed away at a Johannesburg hospital at the age of 87 after his condition deteriorated yesterday.

According to the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Kathrada had contracted pneumonia, which had affected both his lungs. 

The activist was initially admitted for dehydration, however doctors soon discovered a clot on his brain, which was subsequently removed.

With activism spanning a total of 75 years, he spent 26 years in prison for his role in the struggle for democracy and later he served in Parliament and served as President Mandela's parliamentary counsellor.

In a statement, the Nelson Mandela Foundation said they are deeply saddened about the passing of a dear friend and founding trustee.

While, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation said the late activist demonstrated that leaders exist to serve rather than to cultivate their own interests.

ALSO READ: Rest In Peace, Ahmed Kathrada

Messages have been pouring in on social media, with former public protector Thuli Madonsela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu paying their respects.  

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom - who also serves on the board of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation - says the 87-year-old played a massive role in South Africa's democracy. 

"Everybody feels at rest with the fact that here's a man who lived an immensely good life and made a huge contribution to our democracy, freedom and respect for human rights. He was a man of great humility and a man millions of people really loved and looked up to," he said. 

Watch the video below that shows the icon who turned 86 being celebrated at Sastri College in Durban where he launched his new book, Triumph of the Human Spirit, in 2015.