Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize pays tribute to Struggle Veteran Paddy Kearney
It is with shock and sadness for us to pay tribute and bid farewell to Patrick Paddy Kearney whom we have known for almost forty years as a director at Diakonia in Durban, and also as a leader and a friend.
He was a kind, quiet and soft spoken person with a warm and generous spirit. He was a dedicated servant of God who demonstrated his love for his people and his country through his selfless service to humanity.
He will be remembered as a fearless fighter for peace, tolerance and democracy. He made sure that the church in its diverse denominations was firmly on the side of justice for the workers, the poor, the oppressed and the downtrodden supporting their struggles
He was the face of Diakonia that welcomed all who were pursued by apartheid forces, be they detainees or families whose relatives were persecuted or imprisoned or killed.
This placed Diakonia at the centre of our struggle for liberation giving protection and inspiration to our resistance against apartheid.
He was the glue that held our mass democratic movement civic and faith based organisation to stand together to deliver a combined impact to apartheid.
Working with eminent leaders such as Archbishop Hurley and other leaders of faith the contributed in keeping the flame of freedom alight thus encouraging those who were powerless to fight on while it counseled and supported those who were brutalized and tortured. Diakonia became a centre for education and a home for campaigns against social ills, the fight against HIV and AIDS, the abuse of women and children as well as against domestic violence.
Paddy was a giant who epitomized a nonracial future and unity of our people determined to transform society to usher in a united caring and compassionate South African nation.
We extend deepest condolences to his family and friends.
May his soul rest In eternal peace and rise in glory.
Enquiries:
Musa Zondi
Cell: 072 800 6449
