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“It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dr Essop Goolam Pahad. Today, we mourn the loss of a revolutionary who dedicated his life to the struggle to overthrow the apartheid regime, establish democracy, drive democratic transformation and development to eliminate the legacy of oppression and advance his country and its people towards prosperity”, said the General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) Solly Mapila, on behalf of the Party.

“In this time of mourning, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Pahad family, the African National Congress (ANC), and the people of South Africa at large. May you find solace in the cherished memories, dedication to the revolutionary cause, and the contribution Dr Pahad had on the nation”, said Solly Mapaila.

Dr Pahad, 84, passed away on Thursday morning, 6 July 2023. He was born on 21 June 1939 in Schweizer-Reneke, now in North West Province. 

Dr Pahad’s revolutionary contributions to our national struggle for liberation and social emancipation, the South African Communist Party (SACP), the African National Congress (ANC), and the government are truly commendable. His steadfast commitment to the principles of social justice, equality, and freedom served as an inspiration to many.

Throughout his extensive revolutionary life and times, Dr Pahad held positions of great responsibility, including serving on the SACP Central Committee and Political Bureau for many years, both in exile and after unbanning, including in the 1990s to the early 2000s. His last two terms as a member of the SACP’s highest leadership organs were as a member of the 10th National Congress Central Committee of the Party, from 1998 to 2002, and 9th National Congress Central Committee and Political Bureau of the Party, from 1995 to 1998. 

Dr Pahad served as Cabinet Minister from 1999 to 2008. As a minister in the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, he championed children’s rights, advocated for the marginalised, and played a vital role in promoting government communication and information systems. His efforts in advancing the status of women, supporting the National Youth Commission, and spearheading international marketing initiatives for the country left an indelible mark on the nation.

Dr Pahad’s academic achievements include a PhD in History from the University of Sussex, a Master of Arts degree in African Politics, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. This reflects his dedication to intellectual growth and professional capacity.

As a stalwart of our struggle for liberation and social emancipation, his political activism, which began during his involvement with the Transvaal Indian Youth Congress Executive Committee, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the liberation struggle for freedom. Dr Pahad’s participation in producing and distributing ANC pamphlets and posters, as well as his subsequent exile, both as a revolutionary cadre of the ANC and the SACP, exemplified his courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

During his time in exile, Dr Pahad continued to contribute to the ANC and the SACP, serving in leadership positions and representing the SACP on the Editorial Council of the World Marxist Review. His return to South Africa in 1990 marked the beginning of his invaluable service as a Parliamentary Counsellor and Deputy Minister.

Dr Pahad’s insightful research and publications have enriched many and their understanding of the complex political landscape, with numerous articles in the journals of the SACP and ANC, as well as various South African media outlets and publications.

As we bid farewell to the stalwart of our struggle for liberation and social emancipation, leader and patriot, let us remember Dr Essop Goolam Pahad for his unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy, social justice, equality, and ultimately the goal of scientific socialism. His revolutionary legacy, especially, in our case, his contribution to the struggle to end apartheid, establish democracy, and lay the basis for advancing to a socialist transition, will continue to inspire current and future generations to strive for a better South Africa, Africa and world.

In memory of this internationalist, the SACP will strengthen its struggle against imperialism in all its forms and manifestations.  

Issued by SACP