Despite being forced into exile in 1964, Essop Pahad remained dedicated to his cause and worked tirelessly with international partners to bring attention to the challenges faced by South Africa. This period of exile allowed him to gain a deep understanding of different viewpoints and a strong determination to advocate for justice. When he returned to South Africa in 1990, he played a crucial role in shaping the future of the country.

By Tshawe lama Tshawe

As heartfelt tributes continue to pour in for the late ANC stalwart and former Minister in the Presidency, Essop Pahad, fellow party comrades are honouring a man who was closely aligned with the governing party and former president Thabo Mbeki.

Pahad passed away at the age of 84 on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

Thabo Mbeki’s book, The Dream Deferred, explores his enduring friendship with Pahad, which started during their first encounter at Wits University in the early 1960s.

This was during their time at the Rand Youth Club.

According to history, in December 1964 the two were again reunited at Sussex, where Mbeki would introduce Pahad to the woman who would later become his wife.

In this excerpt from The Dream Deferred, author, Mark Gevisser provides a thorough account of the connection between Mbeki and Pahad during their time at Sussex.

Wrote Gevisser: “In 1965 Thabo Mbeki reconnected with Essop Pahad, the South African of Indian descent he had become friendly with in Johannesburg.

“Pahad had gone into exile with his younger brother Aziz after having been banned for five years in December 1964 and met up with his old friend within days of arrival in Britain.

“If Mbeki was the favourite son, Essop Pahad was at his side from the very beginning.

“The two men became inseparable in the first half of 1965 and in September of that year, Pahad enrolled in the master’s program in African politics at Sussex.

“At the Star of Brunswick, Mbeki introduced his old comrade to his Sussex friend Meg Shorrock.

“She decided she fancied him and invited both men over for dinner.

“She “went to extensive lengths to impress the man she would later marry.

“She recalls making a big meal that reached its grand finale with Poires Hélène.

“I hope these pears aren’t South African,” said Pahad huffily.

Among some events in which Pahad participated included the Unilateral Declaration of Independence in May 1966, when they organised a demonstration at the Clock Tower in Brighton’s central square.

According to history Pahad would “stand up and shout if you said something he disagreed with, while Mbeki would sit down and listen, trying to make sense of your arguments so that he could find a rational way of responding to them.

“Perhaps more important, he was willing even then to engage the other side in the South African conflict.

“At the end of the debate,” recalls Lawrence, who accompanied him, “he went and shook this guy’s hand.

“I was quite shocked!”

Twenty years before Mbeki’s leadership role in the ANC’s process of engaging with the opposing side, he was honing his negotiation skills.

While history is good for the new generation to learn from, the ANC said: “We pay homage to Dr Essop Goolam Pahad, a veteran and stalwart of the struggle, with great sadness.

“Born on June 21, 1939, in Schweizer, South Africa, he hailed from a family of political activists.

“His father, Goolam Hoosain Ismael Pahad, was a prominent figure in the Transvaal Indian Congress and the South African Indian Congress.

“Following in his father’s footsteps, Essop joined the Transvaal Indian Youth Congress in 1958, where he became a vocal advocate for the cause, fighting for the rights of all South Africans, regardless of race.

“However, he faced persecution for his efforts, compelling him to flee the country in 1964.

“Despite being in exile, he remained steadfast in his mission, working tirelessly with members of the international community to raise awareness about the struggles of South Africa.

“This experience gave him a profound appreciation for diverse perspectives and an unwavering commitment to fighting for justice.

“Upon his return to South Africa in 1990, Essop played a pivotal role in shaping the new South Africa.

“He played an instrumental role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) negotiations. He held several notable political positions, including serving as a member of the National Assembly from 1994-2008, as Parliamentary Counsellor to the Deputy President from 1994 to 1996, and later as Deputy Minister from 1996 to 1999.

“In 1999, he served as Minister, focusing on key issues such as the Rights of the Child and the Status of Women.

“Throughout his life, Essop held various positions, including an African National Congress National Executive Committee member, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Southern African Democracy Education Trust, and a member of several other boards and committees.

“His unwavering dedication to fighting racism and apartheid for over five decades was commendable, and his tireless efforts laid the groundwork for a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa.

“Essop’s activism and lifetime of service continue to inspire us all. He is a testament to what we can accomplish if we remain resolute in our beliefs and fight for justice, even in the face of persecution and adversity. His legacy will forever be remembered in the annals of South African history, and his contributions will never be forgotten.”