The executive mayor of Ekurhuleni Ald Nkosindiphile Xhakaza held bilateral talks with his Reggio Emilia counterpart, mayor Marco Massari, at the OR Tambo Narrative Centre in Wattville.

This marked a significant milestone in strengthening relations between the City of Ekurhuleni and Reggio Emilia in Italy.

The meeting formed part of the city’s OR Tambo Month commemorations, which honoured the life and legacy of the late liberation stalwart, Oliver Reginald Tambo.

The two cities maintained a sister-city agreement for several years, which led to notable collaborations, including the Reggio Emilia administration’s adoption of the Wattville Community Library.

ALSO READ: Life of Oliver Tambo honoured in wreath-laying ceremony

The partnership ultimately resulted in the library being renamed the Sonchini Library, with the Italian city donating several books and resources to the facility.

“This was an important relationship between the two cities, especially considering the socio-economic dynamics of both,” said Xhakaza.

“We learnt best practices from each other over the years. We also valued the relationship we shared with the City of Reggio Emilia and were impressed by the depth of knowledge they held about South Africa, especially about OR Tambo,” he said.

“It was critical for our city and its people to continue to tap into that and learn more about our liberation stalwart and the sacrifices he made for all South Africans to be free.

“Beyond that, we needed to explore how we could link our cities to benefit from the skill sets that exist between them and to share knowledge that could improve the lives of people in both regions,” said Xhakaza.

ALSO READ: Oliver and Adelaide Tambo remembered in wreath-laying ceremony

The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) previously conferred the Freedom of the City on Oliver Tambo and later declared his birth month, October, as OR Tambo Month.

Every year, during October, the city commemorates the life and times of OR Tambo through a series of activities, including the annual wreath-laying ceremony held on October 27, his birthday.

In 2025, the city, in partnership with the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation and the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA), is hosting a month-long programme to celebrate the enduring legacy of OR and Adelaide Tambo.

The commemorative activities included the annual wreath-laying ceremony, with members of the Tambo family, along with prominent political leaders, laying wreaths of remembrance at the OR Tambo Memorial Heritage Site.

ALSO READ: Dignitaries gather in remembrance for Olive Tambo in Wattville

A roundtable discussion followed on October 30 at the OR Tambo International Airport Conference Centre.

The event was headlined by renowned thought leaders, historians, and veteran activists, who reflected on Tambo’s global influence and his role in South Africa’s liberation struggle.

Recognising Tambo’s love for music, the city also hosted the OR Tambo Choral Music Festival under the theme ‘Imvelaphi- Our Origins’.

The festival, held on November 1 at the OR Tambo Narrative Centre, aimed to showcase the talents of choral groups from across the city and celebrate indigenous musical traditions through powerful performances.

The arts community played a role in the commemorations by hosting a vibrant OR Tambo Art Exhibition on November 20 at the OR Tambo Narrative Centre in Wattville.

The exhibition serves as a precursor to the G20 Summit, promoting Ekurhuleni’s rich artistic and cultural heritage while positioning the city as a hub for tourism and creativity.

OR Tambo, once a charismatic chorister himself, believed in the power of music to promote cultural inclusion and artistic diversity.

Through these activities, the city sought not only to remember his contribution to the liberation struggle but also to inspire future generations to emulate his values of unity, humility, and service.

The CoE 2025 OR Tambo Month celebrations reflect the enduring impact of Tambo’s leadership and reinforce his message of freedom, justice, and human dignity.