Mandela's lawyer Ismail Ayob hailed for commitment to justice

ANTI-APARTHEID lawyer Ismail Ayob’s life reflected quiet courage and steadfast commitment to justice, says the ANC in paying tribute to the renowned  who played a pivotal role in representing Nelson Mandela and other Struggle icons. 

Ayob died at the age of 83 in Johannesburg.

Throughout his distinguished legal career spanning over five decades, Ayob became known as one of the most significant attorneys during South Africa's Struggle against apartheid, serving as Mandela’s personal legal counsel during his imprisonment. 

He also represented Struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela for many years.

During Mandela’s incarceration, Ayob was the only lawyer allowed to visit him at Robben Island. 

In a statemen, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu described Ayob as a distinguished legal practitioner and courageous ally of the liberation movement whose work contributed meaningfully to the struggle against apartheid and the pursuit of freedom in South Africa.

“His role required courage, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom, dignity, and human rights.

Through his legal work and personal integrity, Marhoom Ayob demonstrated the vital role played by progressive professionals who used their skills in service of justice and liberation, often at great personal risk. His contribution forms part of the broader tapestry of solidarity that sustained the movement during its most difficult years.” 

According to an inscription on the Nelson Mandela Foundation, authored by Padraig O’Malley, Ayob was born in Mafikeng and educated there and in Pretoria.

He became a barrister at Gray's Inn, London, in the late 1960s and then returned to South Africa to do his articles and to practise as an attorney.

“He became Winnie Mandela's lawyer during the 1970s, and later did the same for Nelson Mandela. He was a frequent visitor to Nelson Mandela during his time in prison and became a conduit for messages between Mandela and the ANC in Zambia,” O’Malley’s inscription reads.

In accordance with Islamic rites, his Janazah took place yesterday at West Park Cemetery, Johannesburg.

Cape Times