Ekurhuleni celebrates the life of OR Tambo
OR Tambo remains a universally acknowledged titan of freedom, and one of South Africa’s most revered leaders of the 20th century.
This is according to former deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe, who spoke at a memorial lecture on Monday, October 27, at Birchwood Hotel to commemorate the life and legacy of Oliver Reginald and Adelaide Tambo.
“This year marks the 20th anniversary of South Africa’s system of democracy. The lecture could not be occurring at a more historically ideal moment,” said Motlanthe.
“As we assess the progress the country has made so far in undoing the Apartheid legacy as well as fostering nation building, we do so knowing of the Herculean sacrifices that made democracy possible.
“Many could not have the chance to enjoy the days of their lives, which come but once, having chosen to trade the luxury of indifference for the rugged journey of struggle. Oliver Tambo’s life is the epitome of this historical experience.
“He did not demand respect. His humble yet inspiring presence invested this person with a rare halo of responsibility. Universal consensus within and outside the ANC, nationally and internationally, largely converges on one point – that OR was a model leader.
“This gathering, South Africans and indeed, the world, know about the legendary political life of OR Tambo from many different sources, including his biographies.
“I see OR’s leadership, which has left such a respectable mark on our history, as his abiding memory.
“OR’s legacy is reflected in the ANC, which he helped to shape over a period of 30 years. The ANC, in turn, successfully executed the liberation of its people.
“In part, then, South Africa’s liberation from racial oppression through the political vehicle of the ANC leadership owes much to the sacrifices of OR, much the same way that it is indebted to the efforts of many others, before and after him.”
Ekurhuleni mayor, Clr Mondli Gungubele, said the lecture helps to refresh one’s memory of OR’s great legacy.
“His legacy of freedom is the reason we can now express ourselves, march anytime and share views anytime, which is the taste of freedom, ” said the mayor.
The CEO of the OR and Adelaide Foundation, Mavuso Msimang expressed his gratitude to Ekurhuleni and the mayor for the manner in which they have embraced OR Tambo.
“When Oliver passed on, his remains were taken to Tamboville. The tombstone is now monumental,” says Msimang. @NalediBoksburg
