Zuma unveils statue of Struggle icon
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has described anti-apartheid Struggle stalwart Oliver Reginald Tambo as “the glue” that held together the ANC during the period of being exiled by the apartheid government.
“(Former ANC) President Tambo became the glue that held the many facets of the ANC together during that difficult period. He became a capable pastor to all the strands of the ANC broad church,” Zuma said.
“He was able to do this because of his character: that of being a disciplined and highly principled leader. He knew that South Africa and its people did not owe him anything; hence he served his people with love and selflessness. Oliver lived because he had surrendered his very being to the people.”
Zuma was speaking at the unveiling of the OR Tambo statue at OR Tambo International Airport. Tambo served as ANC president from 1967 to 1991. He died at the age of 75 in Johannesburg on April 24, 1993.
The statue unveiling ceremony forms part of the OR Tambo centenary celebrations that are being held across the country. Zuma also lauded Tambo’s internationalist perspective which enabled the ANC to sharpen the international pillar of the Struggle.
“His skilful diplomatic endeavours also led to the recognition of the ANC by the Organisation for African Unity and the UN.
“The declaration of apartheid as a crime against humanity was due to his tireless leadership of the international pillar of our Struggle. From these small beginnings the ANC acquired missions in a total of 27 countries by 1990.” – ANA