At a commemoration ceremony held today in Wattville, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng African National Congress (ANC) chairperson Panyaza Lesufi rallied support for the party’s future, vowing that they would not abandon the legacy of late anti-apartheid leader Oliver Tambo. His remarks come on the heels of a significant electoral blow suffered by the party in the recent May 29 general elections, where the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in three decades.
“We owe it to him, to declare to him that unfortunately on the 29 May this year we suffered a major setback. We owe it to OR Tambo that regardless of this setback, regardless of this pain, regardless of these difficult challenges, betrayal is not an option,” Lesufi declared. The ANC’s struggle to maintain its influence in the political sphere resonated deeply during the ceremony that was aimed at celebrating Tambo’s contributions to the party and the nation as a whole.
Lesufi’s impassioned speech coincided with calls from ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, who, while addressing a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg, underscored the need for the party’s rejuvenation to enhance support in Tambo’s memory. He remarked, “We can take shortcuts but the truth of the matter is that we lost. That is why restoration fits the theme of today’s celebration of Oliver Tambo. Because we must regain control of the country and the political space as the ANC.”
The backdrop of Tambo’s towering influence in the ANC cannot be overstated. Leading the party from 1967 until 1991, Tambo’s vision and perseverance not only shaped the ANC but also tethered it to the aspirations of all South Africans seeking equality and freedom. His untimely death in 1993 marked a significant moment in the country’s history, particularly following the assassination of SACP general-secretary Chris Hani shortly before. Tambo was born in Nkantolo village in Bizana, situated in the historical Pondoland region of Eastern Cape, a testament to the struggles of his roots.
The commemoration event served as both a solemn reminder of the past and a call to action for the ANC, urging party members to unite and channel their energies towards revitalising their structure and commitment to Tambo’s enduring ideals. The words of Lesufi and Mantashe echo not just a reflection on the party’s recent losses, but a renunciation of despair, as they look towards recapturing the nation’s trust and respect.