Struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada will be remembered for being committed to principle until he drew his last breath, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation said on Tuesday.

“As we remember a life so well lived, we cannot but reflect on the valuable counsel Comrade Kathy conveyed to all of us while he lived, including and in particular the importance of promoting the understanding that leaders exist to serve the people rather than to cultivate their personal interests,” the foundation said in a statement.

The 87-year-old, affectionately known as "Kathy", succumbed to pneumonia in the early hours of Tuesday morning. His condition deteriorated on Monday evening due to complications from his recent surgery for a blood clot.

The foundation praised Kathrada for dedicating his adult life to the struggle against apartheid.

“For this principled stand, he, together with his fellow comrades, spent more than a quarter of a century on Robben Island.

“Such was his commitment to principle that Comrade Kathy consciously refused to be broken by harassment, torture, imprisonment and the threat of much worse,” the foundation said.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to Comrade Kathy’s partner Comrade Barbara Hogan, his wider family of comrades and friends. As the poet said, ‘Death be not proud!’ May Comrade Kathy’s soul rest in peace.”

The foundation said Kathrada’s ideals were yet to be realised.

“We must do everything to ensure that the values which inspired him to battle, germinate a million times over and produce more of his calibre who will, instead of submitting, vigorously prosecute the struggle for a South Africa that truly belongs to all who live in it.”