SA appreciates Zambia - Zuma
SOUTH African President Jacob Zuma has praised Zambia for giving the ANC leaders and exiled South African people shelter during the long struggle against apartheid regime.
Speaking during the commemoration of the Oliver Tambo Centenary celebrations held in the birthplace of Oliver Tambo in Nkantolo, Bizana in Eastern Cape, President Zuma said the solidarity offered by Zambia’s First President, Kenneth Kaunda and the people of Zambia was commendable and selfless.
“Earlier this month, we visited Lusaka in Zambia where President Kenneth Kaunda and the Zambian people gave us shelter and solidarity for 30 years,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to President Edgar Lungu for turning the Oliver Tambo house into a heritage site and national monument.
“One of the homes that were used by Comrade Tambo was renovated and has been declared a national heritage site by the Zambian government. We truly appreciate that honour from the Zambians,” he said.
And Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba who attended the celebrations said the selfless, hospitality and sacrifice acts done by Zambia over the years was bearing fruits.
He said that many countries offered solidarity and support to the liberation struggle but Zambia’s prominent role could not be ignored or erased from history
South African government declared 2017 the Year of Oliver Tambo and journey of celebrating the national hero has culminated at this birth place.
Born at the village of Nkantolo on 27 October 1917, Oliver Tambo grew up to be a preeminent leader of the liberation struggle and was ANC leader in exile.