Pretoria - South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) party Wednesday mourned the death of US Senator Ted Kennedy and hailed him as a champion in the battle against apartheid.

In a statement, the ANC said "Kennedy was among leaders who championed the opposition against the apartheid regime in South Africa."

Kennedy visited South Africa in 1985 and drew attention to apartheid through the American television crews that followed him, the ANC noted. The US senator visited slums and resettlement areas despite his trip being denounced by the then apartheid regime.

"He is remembered for having staged an 'illegal protest' outside Pollsmoor Prison, where struggle icon Nelson Mandela was held," the ANC said.

Years later, according to a South Africa press agency Sapa report, Mandela said he knew Kennedy had been at the gate of the prison and that "gave us a lot of strength and hope, and the feeling that we had millions behind us both in our struggle against apartheid but in our special situation in prison."

In its statement on Kennedy, the ANC concluded by saying the party "extends condolences to his family, friends and relatives. May his soul rest in peace." (dpa)