COSATU remembers ANC President General Oliver Reginald Tambo
24 April 2023
The Congress of South African Trade Unions joins South Africans to remember Isithwalandwe-Seaparankoe President O.R. Tambo who passed away 30 years ago today. We remember OR Tambo as a towering figure who fearlessly led the struggle against the apartheid regime that oppressed and exploited Black people in this country.
He led the ANC under very difficult circumstances and was able to deliver it back to the people of South Africa intact and ready to govern. On this day as we remember the President General of the ANC, we reiterate our call on the ANC to intensify its efforts to build unity, discipline, and renewal and above all give a sense of confidence in the future of our country in order to inspire the masses of our people.
Cde OR led by example, he took responsibility for the weaknesses and failures of the ANC and never shirked from accepting criticism. The leadership of all political parties and government across all spheres would do well to learn from Cde OR’s sense of humility, piety, and accountability; virtues that are rarely found amongst the political elite of today.
He grew up in desperately poor conditions in Mbizana in the Eastern Cape and overcame insurmountable hurdles in pursuit of education. He went on to become a leader of the church, a science and maths teacher and ultimately an international statesman, who could hold his own with leaders across the world. He channelled the frustrations of the youth into positive action for change.