Dignitaries preserve the legacy of the Tambos at annual ceremony

Oliver Tambo’s daughter, Nomathemba, said her father’s vision extended beyond liberation, as he prepared young leaders to embrace the responsibilities of governance.

She spoke at the annual Oliver and Adelaide Tambo wreath-laying ceremony held at Tamboville Cemetery in Wattville on October 27.

This year marks the 31st anniversary of Tambo’s death.

Nomathemba said Tambo’s belief in education as a vehicle for empowerment led him to secure scholarships around the world for South African youth who were passionate and determined to fight for freedom in 1976.

“My father would say that your battle has to be a different one,” she explained, describing how he urged them to shift their struggle to the classroom.

“He instilled in them the understanding that knowledge would be essential in shaping a liberated nation.”

Nomathemba added that he often told others that if they thought the fight for liberation was hard, governing would be even more challenging. She emphasised the need for South Africa’s current leaders to persevere, saying, “Without them, we are nothing”.

“When we talk about Tambo, we talk about the excellence of his character, the determination and drive he had, his humility, his love for South Africa, and his vision for the future.

“South Africans have to remember that we are part of that story too, and we can carry it forward,” she said.

The keynote speech was delivered by ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, who emphasised the need to restore the ANC’s values to honour Tambo’s legacy.

“Tambo was head and shoulders above all, always humble and dedicated. He saved the programmes of the ANC and was at the centre, providing leadership during the most challenging times.

“We must regain the majority and govern on our own, but we need to do the right thing, even under the GNU governance.

“There are issues we need to address to regain people’s trust. Our primary responsibility is to mobilise every class and all strata of society,” Mantashe said.

Scores of dignitaries, including former Ekurhuleni Mayor Mzwandile Masina, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, former minister of police Bheki Cele, and former minister of health Dr Zweli Mkhize attended the commemoration.