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Thousands pour into Mbizana to celebrate OR Tambo

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The late ANC president Oliver Reginald Tambo presenting a speech during an ANC conference during the struggle for liberation.Picture: File
The late ANC president Oliver Reginald Tambo presenting a speech during an ANC conference during the struggle for liberation.Picture: File

President Jacob Zuma is expected to deliver the keynote address at the main Oliver Reginald Tambo centenary celebrations in Mbizana, Eastern Cape, where at least 20 000 people are expected to attend.

OR Tambo, as the liberation struggle stalwart was affectionately known, was born 100 years ago in Nkantolo village. The usually quiet village, which overlooks the Ngele Mountains, is a hive of activity today as villagers and visitors trickle in to be part of the celebrations.

Minibus taxis are ferrying in people from villages around Mbizana and SUVs of dignitaries are making their way into the main venue where the celebration will be held – 4km away from Tambo’s ancestral home. Some of those braving the chilly weather are villagers riding on horseback. Others have walked more than 5km to witness their most famous son being celebrated.

The national government has declared this year “the year of OR Tambo” and will host today’s events under the theme of the “life and legacy of OR Tambo”.

Tambo was born on October 27 1917.

Various government programmes have been dedicated to the OR Tambo centenary celebrations, including the tarring of a now partially complete 13km road which stretches up to the OR Tambo Garden of Remembrance, in Nkantolo. Other projects that have been undertaken and implemented by the government included the construction of RDP houses and the electrification of Nkantolo.

Yesterday, Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane, together with the premier of the Eastern Cape, Phumulo Masualle, launched the recently completed Ludeke Dam, which will help alleviate the dire water shortage in Mbizana and the surrounding area. About 800 000 people are expected to benefit from the bulk water supply scheme.

The St Patrick’s Hospital in Mbizana is getting a facelift and will be renamed the OR Tambo Hospital in honour of the longest-serving president of the ANC.

Tambo opened a law firm together with his friend and comrade Nelson Mandela, whose centenary is being celebrated next year.

He died at the age of 75 after complications with a stroke. His passing on April 24 1993 meant that he did not see the freedom that he spent most of his adult life fighting for.


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