Celebrating the centenary of OR Tambo
He kept his feet on the ground and his focus on his sole purpose to serve the ANC.
The nation will be celebrating the centenary of Oliver Reginald Tambo (better known as OR) on October 27. He devoted his life to the liberation struggle and the longest-serving president of the African National Congress (ANC). A larger-than-life statue of OR was unveiled at the OR Tambo International Airport two weeks ago by President Jacob Zuma.
The nation salutes this great leader whose strength of character, the courage of his conviction and believe that one day the people of South Africa, black and white, will live side by side in peace and harmony.
My first encounter with OR
Shortly after the ANC and other political parties were unbanned in 1991 I received a call from Feroz Cachalia, (former Gauteng MEC for safety and security) asking me to take photos of OR and his wife Adelaide at the Cachalia’s residence in Actonville, Benoni. “No newspaper or anyone should know about OR’s whereabouts or that he slept over at the Cachalia’s home. The photos are for the family and not for publicity” explained Feroz.
My first meeting with OR
An hour later I arrived at the Cachalia’s residence. My first meeting with this giant of a man was awe-inspiring, I expected a man that exudes great power and authority. On the contrary, he greeted me with a friendly smile complemented with humility and modesty. For me, it was overwhelming to say the least.
After the photo shoot, we all left to go to his former residence in Watville. Hundreds of people were waiting for OR, giving him and his wife a rousing welcome. I had the opportunity of meeting many of OR’s family members.
Annual General Meeting
Months later I attended an annual general meeting of the joint Watville and Actonville ANC Branch. The meeting was held at the Etwatha High School in Watville. The representatives from Luthuli House did not arrive to facilitate the AGM elections. To my surprise, I was asked by the chairman to preside over OR in person. He was accompanied by his wife and arrived and wanted to be part of the meeting. After the meeting, OR came to congratulate me for overseeing the proceedings (The photo of OR and myself was taken after the meeting).
OR’s 75th birthday party
I was invited to attend OR’s 75th birthday celebration at the Benoni Town Hall. Hundreds of guests from various parts of the country came to see OR in person and to congratulate him and just to feel the touch of his hand and to be astounded by his smile. I have never seen such a long queue of people waiting patiently for their chance of meeting OR.
OR’s funeral
The news of OR’s death came as a shock to many. He was not a healthy man. He suffered two strokes, was partially paralysed and suffered from asthma. Yet he never neglected his duties within the ANC. OR died on April 24 in 1993, just two weeks after the assassination of his close colleague and comrade Chris Hani who himself was a dedicated hero in the liberation struggle.
OR was buried at the Watville cemetery. I was there. I could not miss attending the funeral of this enormous dedicated freedom fighter who sacrificed so much for the freedom of the oppressed.
I count myself fortunate to have met OR on a few occasions, I consider it a blessing. He was not a rich man nor did he pursue wealth but he was a happy, peaceful and spiritual man. His wife, Adelaide, was always by his side. He was blessed with children that were always concerned about him, who honoured and loved and respected him. They have blessed him with so many grandchildren he was always overjoyed to be in their presence.
He kept his feet on the ground and his focus on his sole purpose to serve the ANC with dedication and to sacrifice his life to ensure the freedom of the oppressed and to unleash them from the shackles of apartheid and inhumane domination.
Jerry Theys from Reuven Old Age Home.
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