Widow’s political pleas challenge traditional beliefs

The outspoken comments by Barbara Hogan, the widow of Ahmed Kathrada, following his death have challenged the beliefs around mourning and widowhood in the African context. Hogan defied tradition by making her voice heard at her husband’s burial when she questioned the integrity of the President, Jacob Zuma.

In an unprecedented  move , more than 100 000  South Africans from across the  political divide, races and walks of life gathered on 7 April in solidarity at the Union Buildings calling for Zuma to step down.

The march came just a few weeks after the nation bade farewell to Amhed Kathrada who was one South African’s iconic citizens and a key African National Congress (ANC) figure in the fight against apartheid. Typical of his nature, his burial set the stage for renewed calls from citizens for Zuma to step down as he had failed in his duties to serve the people of South Africa. Read more