Oliver Reginald Tambo: Remembering the ANC stalwart on his birthday

This article first appeared on sahistory.org.za, this is an amended version. 

Oliver Reginald Tambo brief bio

Born: 27 October 1917, Nkantolo
Died: 24 April 1993, Johannesburg
Spouse: Adelaide Tambo (m. 1956–1993)
Children: Dali Tambo, Tselane Tambo, Thembi Tambo

OR Tambo’s legacy

Oliver Reginald Tambo, who was leader of the African National Congress in exile for thirty years, died on 23 April 1993.

Yet his legacy lives on. Comrade O.R. left us a significant and enduring heritage, one, which enhanced our new constitution, contributed to the inclusive and equitable policies of our democratically elected government, and affirmed the abiding vision of the ANC itself.

The African National Congress has consistently produced leaders of the highest calibre.

But Oliver Tambo, thoughtful, wise and warmhearted, was perhaps the most loved. His simplicity, his nurturing style, his genuine respect for all people seemed bring out the best in them. Comrade O.R.’s life was remarkable for the profound influence he had on the ANC during the difficult years of uncertainty, loneliness and homesickness in exile.

During his fifty years of political activity in the ANC, Comrade O.R., as he affectionately came to be known, played a significant role in every key moment in the history of the movement, until his death. Oliver Tambo is a founder member and secretary of the ANC Youth League in 1944; the general secretary of the ANC from 1952; the mandated leader of the ANC’s Mission in Exile 1960; the President of the ANC from 1977 until 1990; then National Chairperson until his death, in 1993.

What shaped the life of Oliver Tambo

What values and life skills enabled him to make such an important and enduring impact on the history of the African National Congress and on our new, democratic South Africa?

Two major processes in Comrade O.R.’s early life moulded his style in politics and leadership – his traditional rural roots; and the expertise he acquired through education. Each experience was very different; yet O.R. combined them creatively to develop an approach, which was able to reach and empower a broad mass of the people, both nationally and internationally.

University years

Oliver decided to study science after finishing school. There was an imbalance, he decided, in the black professions there were too many B.A. candidates. Ideally, he had wanted to study medicine; but at the time no university would accept black students. Three years later, Oliver Tambo graduated with a B.Sc. degree in physics and maths. The following year he enrolled for a diploma in higher education. O.T. had a calm and quiet disposition, but he made an impact on his lecturers and his fellow students. He was deeply religious, yet he was also an intellectual. His future friend, partner and comrade, Nelson Mandela, recalled his first impressions of Oliver:

I became a member of the Students Christian Association and taught Bible classes on Sundays in neighbouring villages. One of my comrades on these expeditions was a serious young science scholar whom I had met on the soccer field. He came from Pondoland, in the Transkei, and his name was Oliver Tambo. From the start, I saw that Oliver’s intelligence was diamond-edged; be was a keen debater and did not accept the platitudes that so many of us automatically subscribed to. Oliver lived in Beda Hall, the Anglican hostel, and though I did not have much contact with him at Fort Hare, it was easy to see that he was destined for great things.’ Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom.

Three years later, Oliver graduated with a BSc degree in physics and maths.

The following year he enrolled for a diploma in higher education. OR had a calm and quiet disposition, but he made an impact on his lecturers and his fellow students.

He was deeply religious, yet he was also an intellectual. His future friend, partner and comrade, Nelson Mandela, recalled his first impressions of Oliver:

“I became a member of the Students Christian Association and taught Bible classes on Sundays in neighbouring villages.

“One of my comrades on these expeditions was a serious young science scholar whom I had met on the soccer field.

“He came from Pondoland in the Transkei and his name was Oliver Tambo.

“From the start, I saw that Oliver’s intelligence was diamond-edged; be was a keen debater and did not accept the platitudes that so many of us automatically subscribed to.”

OR Tambo quotes