An old friend of late Nelson Mandela who was jailed with him on Robben Island, Ahmed Kathrada, is in hospital recovering from brain surgery.

The African National Congress (ANC) struggle veteran is in a stable condition after doctors removed a blood clot from his brain due to his admission in a Johannesburg hospital on Saturday.

According to Ceoafrica, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation said he was initially admitted for dehydration but doctors discovered a blood clot which was later removed.

“Doctors last night indicated that the operation was successful and he is in a stable condition. However, it would be some time before Kathrada fully recovers”, said the foundation’s director, Neeshan Balton.

“We hope that you continue remembering him in your prayers and take time to reflect on the ideals and value that Kathrada and his generation stood for".

Mr Kathrada delivered one of the most memorable eulogies at Mr Mandela funeral a little over three years ago.

The 87-year-old is one of only three remaining stalwarts of the famous Rivonia trial, in which late Nelson Mandela and seven others were sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964 for planning to overthrow the white minority regime.