Dignitaries pay tribute to Tambos
The former president of the ANC would have turned 105 this year
The late struggle stalwart Oliver Tambo was hailed as a true revolutionist and a patriot during the annual Oliver and Adelaide Tambo wreath-laying ceremony held at Tamboville Cemetery, Wattville, on October 27.
Community members in ANC regalia and a number of dignitaries, including the former mayor of Ekurhuleni Mzwandile Masina, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nkosinathi Mthethwa, attended to celebrate and honour the Tambo’s legacy.
Tambo’s children, Dali and Nomathemba Tambo were also in attendance.
Addressing attendees, Dali wondered how his parents and other late struggle leaders would answer the question of how they see the status of the glorious movement.
“Is it united, or does the ANC live and lead? The generations that are now in power, are they honouring the mission to serve the people? Will the answers make them smile or break their hearts?” asked Dali.
Lesufi praised Tambo for his sacrifice saying if it wasn’t for his selfless efforts they wouldn’t be where they are now.
“Tambo’s generation was a super special golden leadership. We find solace and believe that Tambo has not died and whatever he believed in hasn’t and cannot die. He believed in non-racial South Africa, a true liberated South Africa and believed that there should not be anything that should harm the weak and vulnerable,” said Lesufi.
The premier of Gauteng further thanked the City of Ekurhuleni for preserving Tambo’s rich history and for keeping the cemetery clean.
Mthethwa applauded the former president of the ANC for always fulfilling his mandate.
“He was not confused about the mandate that he got from the ANC and he executed it until the 1994 democratic breakthrough. His mandate of the four pillars was mobilisation, underground un-resistance and international isolation of the apartheid regime.
“We thank him for his unwavering commitment to serve the people without expectation or personal gain. Tambo also represented unity and worked tirelessly to bring peace,” said Mthethwa.
Mthethwa urged public representatives to create conditions that enable the youth to stay in institutions of learning until they complete their qualifications because the youth were dear to Tambo.
Also Read: President talks at Tambo wreath-laying ceremony
Also Read: Celebrating the life of Oliver Tambo
Gallery:
