Aziz Pahad, 82, a veteran of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, has passed away.

A statement said he passed away at his home in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening.

His family described him as a patriot and freedom fighter who dedicated his life to the governing ANC party.

Pahad joined the struggle against apartheid at a very young age.

He went into exile in the UK in 1964 and coordinated the international campaign to free Nelson Mandela.

After Mr Mandela was freed by the white minority government led by FW de Klerk in 1990, Mr Pahad returned to South Africa.

For 14 years following the democratic election in 1994, Mr Pahad served as deputy foreign affairs minister, first under Mr Mandela and then under President Thabo Mbeki.

Former President Jacob Zuma appointed him as his Middle East envoy in 2014.

Insurgent Diplomat documents Mr. Pahad’s political career.

“We will always cherish the sacrifices and contributions he made towards the freedom of our motherland,” said ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.