Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim, a former anti-apartheid fighter who, like the greats of the struggle, spent part of his life in Robben Island penitentiary, died on Monday aged 84.
He died of a long illness at his home in Johannesburg, the ruling ANC said in a statement.
The African National Congress hailed “a long-serving member of the ANC, a patriot who served his country in many capacities with humility, dedication and distinction.
Born on 1 July 1937, the Indian-born activist had a similar background to the great names in the struggle against white racist rule.
From non-violent protest to armed struggle under apartheid, he was arrested in 1963 for sabotage and sent to Robben Island for 15 years. He was released in 1979.
In prison, he studies with the icon of the struggle, Nelson Mandela. He also shared a cell with another future South African president, Jacob Zuma.
Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim was finally released in 1991. The first multiparty elections were held in South Africa three years later.
He joined the government in 2009 as Deputy Foreign Minister, a position he held for six years.