Tsakane – Struggle hero Oliver Reginald Tambo was remembered as a leader of integrity who was also selfless, humble and respectful.
The OR Tambo memorial lecture was held at KwaThema Old Age Home last Friday.
The lecture was held under the theme “Going in the footsteps of OR Tambo” in celebration of what would have been his 102nd year.
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October is OR Tambo Month and this year marks the 50th Morogoro Anniversary.
ANC deputy chairperson in Ekurhuleni Jongizizwe Dlabathi delivered the lecture, which hundreds of residents attended.
“The month of October gives us an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of OR Tambo and to draw some valuable lessons from this leader of our movement.
“President OR Tambo was a teacher and lawyer by profession who played a significant role in the liberation struggle and freedom many of us are enjoying today.
“The lesson we must all draw from OR Tambo is that he was a formidable organiser.
“We must emulate and compel ourselves to be committed organisers and strive to keep the African National Congress intact, and therefore unity of organisation is important,” he explains.
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Dlabathi warned against leaders and individuals who are arrogant and self-centered in the organisation.
“We have a struggle of leaders who are arrogant and do not appreciate that we live in a society that expects us to listen, accede and lead them according to their will.
“All of us who occupy the positions of leadership must learn from OR Tambo to become selfless and humble.
“As a leader and members of society, we must equally accept criticism,” adds Dlabathi.
Dlabathi warned against members who join the movement for selfish reasons and to be close to government resources in order serve themselves.
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“Unfortunately, today the organisation draws the type of people and individuals who are not emulating the hard work and commitment of OR Tambo.
“In honour of OR Tambo, we must be very careful of the individuals who are not interested in serving the organisation and the people.
“The organisation must not shy away from calling out against all the wrongs and we must be able to discipline each other,” he adds.
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