Media Statement
THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS (ANC) REMEMBERS COMRADE KADER ASMAL
- 8 October 2024
The African National Congress (ANC) commemorates the birth of Professor Kader Asmal, who was born on this day, 08 October 1934. He dedicated his life to the liberation of South Africa and our democratic ideals.
Comrade Asmal was a politician, lawyer, academic and a human rights champion who played a key role in the drafting of the South African Constitution. He was a selfless anti-apartheid activist who was instrumental in the international anti-apartheid movement, and through his work, he assisted in finding Irish Revolutionary Army volunteers who did reconnaissance for the bombing of the Sasolburg refinery in 1980 by Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) – the ANC’s military wing.
He served the nation when he was appointed the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, where he championed the protection of our country’s natural resources and spearheaded the drive for access to clean water for all South Africans. Later he moved to the portfolio of Education, becoming Minister of Education, wherein he played a pivotal role in reshaping South Africa’s education system to reflect the values of our new democracy.
He passionately drove the Plan of Action for Improving Access to Free and Quality Basic Education for All, which represented a continuous victory for pro-poor funding in our country. He further restructured the higher education landscape with mergers of institutions of higher learning, and started the establishment of universities in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape, two Provinces which, historically, did not have them.
Comrade Asmal’s leadership was rooted in the values of the Freedom Charter and the principles of human dignity enshrined in our Constitution. He remains a shining example of the type of leadership that the ANC holds with high regard, one that combines intellectual strength with a profound commitment to the upliftment of the people.
On this anniversary of his birth, we honor Comrade Kader’s memory and reaffirm our commitment to the ideals he fought for. His legacy continues to inspire us in our ongoing journey toward a united, non-racial and a democratic South Africa.
Long live the spirit of Comrade Kader Asmal, long live!
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ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS.
Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri
National Spokesperson
076 891 5420
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Mothusi Shupinyane Ka Ndaba
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