The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has confirmed that 87-year-old stalwart Ahmed Kathrada died in the early hours of Tuesday morning at the Donald Gordon Hospital in Johannesburg.

The foundation’s director Neeshan Balton, confirmed in a statement released just before 06:00 that the anti-apartheid struggle veteran had “breathed his last today”.

"This is great loss to the ANC, the broader liberation movement and South Africa as a whole. Internationally, he was staunch in his support for the Palestinian struggle.

"'Kathy' was an inspiration to millions in different parts of the world," Balton said.

He said Kathrada had passed away peacefully. This was after a short period of illness, following surgery to the brain earlier this month.

Deputy Science and Technology Minister and the foundation’s chairperson Derek Hanekom was overcome with emotion, the foundation said, saying he had lost a "revolutionary mentor and dear friend".

"Comrade Kathy was a gentle, humane and humble soul. He was a determined revolutionary who gave his entire life to the liberation struggle in our country," he said.

His fellow Robben Island prisoner, Laloo 'Isu' Chiba said Kathrada’s death had left a deep vacuum in his life.

"I have worked with Kathy for over sixty years. He has been my strength in prison, my guide in political life and my pillar of strength in the most difficult moments of my life. Now he is gone," Chiba said.

Kathrada will be buried according to Muslim religious rights. Details of the burial would be made public in due course.