DUT confers honorary doctorate on Ahmed Kathrada

Indian-origin South African anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathrada has been conferred with an honorary doctorateby the Durban University of Technology (DUT) for his outstanding contribution towards human rights, social justice and literature.
Kathrada already holds honorary doctorates from the Universities of Massachusetts, Missouri, Michigan and Kentucky in the US and local universities Durban-Westville, Witwatersrand, and Cape Town.
The veteran leader, who served just one year less in jail as a political prisoner than his long-time friend Nelson Mandela, has also received numerous other local and international awards, including the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award from the President of India in 2005.
"TheHonorary Doctor of Philosophy degreeis awarded to Kathrada in recognition of his outstanding contribution towards South African human rights and social justice," DUT said in a statement.

"DUT honorary doctorate degrees are conferred in recognition of the positive work that prominent South Africans have shown in the country. Kathrada's Honorary Doctorate will acknowledge his contributions to literature," the statement added.
Kathrada's interest in literature began at a tender age of 12, when he distributed political leaflets.

Although he dropped out of his formal studies to become a full-time political activist, he was also amongst the first Robben Island prisoners to complete a university degree.
Kathrada's writings include his books, such asMemoirs where he reflects on his timeincarceratedon Robben Island and PollsmoorPrison.
From the Island, Kathrada also wrote many letters to his niece, which is now captured in a publication.

Interestingly, Kathrada was also chosen by his fellow prisoners to head their "communications" work on the Island.
He also contributed significantly to Mandela's autobiography, which was smuggled out of prison and formed the basis forthe world-wide bestseller 'Long Walk to Freedom'.