In 2009, Nelson Mandela celebrated the 80th birthday of Ahmed Kathrada in a personal letter to one of his dearest friends:
"We have spoken often of the long road we have travelled together. But Madala, You would agree that to find ourselves still going strong after nearly a decade into the twenty-first century is extraordinary. Your friendship has been a great resource to me in good times and in bad."
Today, a decade later, the two look down upon us in the hereafter, their enduring friendship blooming.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation would like honour this friendship and celebrate a guiding lighthouse on the long road to freedom. Happy 90th birthday Ntate Kathrada. May your light continue to guide our path towards a free and non-racial democracy.