Russell Baloyi
In recognition of the exceptional legacy and significant contributions made by Oliver Reginald Tambo, the past month of October has been designated OR Tambo Month.
Tambo took the reins of the ANC while in exile for three decades. He is a statesman, just as the late Kenneth Kaunda, former president of Zambia, rightly pointed out in 1993.
Tambo’s legacy has had a lasting impact in shaping our constitution and influencing the inclusive and equitable policies implemented by our democratically elected government.
His significant contribution to the establishment of our democratic system has earned him widespread recognition, placing him in the company of prominent figures such as Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu.
It is against this background that the preamble to our constitution reads:
We, the people of South Africa,
Recognise the injustices of our past;
Honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land;
Respect those who have worked to build and develop our country; and
Believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.
The concept of unity within diversity is not a fallacy. It is observed and experienced during moments of triumph.
SA’s reintegration into international sports after a period of isolation due to apartheid, which occurred 32 years ago, exemplifies this phenomenon. The victories achieved by our athletes, including Caster Semenya and Oscar Pistorius, as well as the triumph of Bafana Bafana in the African Cup of Nations in 1995, served as unifying forces that brought the nation together in celebration.
Similarly, the 2023 Rugby World Cup victory stands as a notable example of unity, as South Africans from all walks of life rallied behind the national flag.
While the Springbok victory may evoke a sense of unity, they should not be mistaken as a complete representation of unity itself, but these achievements offer a glimmer of hope for the future. Just think about what would have happened if Tambo and his collective had given up on the long-standing struggle for freedom. We would never have achieved the significant milestone of the 1994 democratic breakthrough. We wouldn’t be experiencing the joy of celebrating our current Rugby World Cup victory.
We must continue to uphold the principles and achievements of Tambo, especially in the face of difficult circumstances characterised by poor leadership. The consequences of ineffective leadership are evident in the poor provision of services to our communities and the deteriorating conditions experienced by the majority who dedicated themselves to our liberation struggle.
During October, various stakeholders collaborate to host a range of events aimed at commemorating and extolling the principles and achievements of Tambo.
These events serve as a platform for diverse cultures to come together through song, dance, music, spoken and written word and the arts and crafts.
Regrettably, this year the event did not receive the due appreciation it deserves attributed to the financial constraints imposed by the National Treasury because of cost-cutting initiatives.
It has become evident that institutions such as the Freedom Park and the National Heritage Council have failed in their duty to assist the nation to remember to continue to honour Tambo.
Such institutions, including the Freedom Park and the National Heritage Council, along with relevant legislation and dedicated personnel, play a crucial role in fulfilling this mandate. Some executives in these institutions are under scrutiny for allegations of corruption. Their recent appearance in parliament to address these allegations revealed the magnitude of the issues, as they struggled to provide clear answers to straightforward questions.
Over the years, Ekurhuleni has undertaken to commemorate and honour OR Tambo. One such endeavour was the establishment of the OR Tambo Precinct in Wattville, which regrettably has not been fully utilised.
The National Lotteries Commission possesses financial resources that can be allocated to support the development of the economy associated with the preservation of Tambo’s legacy. It is disheartening that a significant portion of this budget is being squandered due to alleged corrupt practices.
We can use the Reconciliation Day on December 16 to make peace with our past and celebrate the heroes of our struggle from all sides of the political divide. This could be just the bridge we need leading to next year’s 30th anniversary of our democratic state.
It is my wish that all sectors of our society begin to document their wins so that we celebrate again, and this can even include hosting the World Summit on Sustainable Development, Fifa World Cup and the International Youth Festival, among others.
- Baloyi is a writer, an executive director of Eco City Trust, an organisation that focuses on the conservation of environment and heritage
