South Africa marks 108 years since the birth of Isithwalandwe Oliver Reginald Tambo

The African National Congress (ANC), together with the City of Ekurhuleni and the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, are leading the 108th birthday commemoration of Oliver Reginald Tambo on Monday, 27 October 2025. The event taking place at the OR Tambo Memorial Site in Wattville, Benoni, where political leaders, family members, and citizens are gathering to honour the life and contribution of the struggle icon.

The day began with a wreath-laying ceremony attended by senior ANC officials, the Tambo family, and community members. This was followed by a memorial lecture delivered by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, reflecting on Tambo’s legacy and his enduring impact on South Africa’s liberation and democracy.

Born on 27 October 1917 in the Eastern Cape, Oliver Reginald Tambo rose to become one of the most influential figures in the fight against apartheid. He was among the founding members of the ANC Youth League alongside Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu. Following the banning of the ANC in 1960, Tambo went into exile where he led the movement for three decades, uniting anti-apartheid forces and mobilising international support against the apartheid regime.

As president of the ANC in exile, Tambo played a central role in shaping the political and diplomatic direction of the liberation movement. His ability to build alliances across continents earned the ANC recognition as the legitimate representative of the South African people. Through his leadership, the ANC established missions in more than 30 countries, strengthened ties with the United Nations, and gained support from global liberation movements.

The ANC described Tambo as a man of integrity, humility, and unity, saying his leadership helped preserve the organisation’s moral and political foundation during its most difficult years. “We honour Oliver Tambo not merely as a memory but as a moral compass for our time,” said ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu.

She said “Today, we honour Oliver Tambo not merely as a memory, but as a moral compass for our time. His legacy reminds us that the strength of the ANC lies not in power, but in principle, in our ability to lead society through ethical governance, unity of purpose, and service to the people. His life remains an enduring testament that revolutions are sustained by discipline, not slogans; by truth, not expediency”.

Bhengu said as the country marked his 108th birth anniversary, the ANC recommits to his call for unity of purpose, ideological clarity, and the renewal of the ANC as the foremost instrument for social and economic transformation. Bhengu said they are guided by his enduring words; “A nation that does not care for its youth

has no future, and a movement that forgets its moral compass loses its soul.”

“We call upon all South Africans, particularly the youth, to draw inspiration from Tambo’s legacy to serve selflessly, to act with courage, and to rebuild with moral conviction. The torch he lit in the darkest days of struggle must continue to guide us in the ongoing fight against poverty, inequality, and injustice. Long live the revolutionary spirit of Oliver Reginald Tambo,” Bhengu said.

The City of Ekurhuleni, which conferred the Freedom of the City on Tambo, declared October as OR Tambo Month in recognition of his legacy. Every year, the city hosts a series of activities to celebrate his life and contributions.

Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said this year’s programme also included a bilateral engagement between the City of Ekurhuleni and Reggio Emilia in Italy. The meeting took place at the OR Tambo Narrative Centre in Wattville and was attended by Mayor Marco Massari of Reggio Emilia.

The two cities share a longstanding partnership that dates back to the years of the anti-apartheid struggle. Reggio Emilia played a significant role in supporting the ANC and honouring Tambo’s legacy. As part of the cooperation agreement, the Italian city adopted the Wattville community library, which has since been renamed the Sonchini Library. The facility has received donations of books and educational materials from Reggio Emilia over the years.

Xhakaza said the relationship between the two cities continues to grow and now focuses on educational and cultural exchanges. “We value the relationship we share with the City of Reggio Emilia and we are impressed by the amount of history they have on South Africa, especially on OR Tambo. It is critical for our city and its people to continue to learn from this history and the sacrifices made for our freedom,” said Xhakaza.

In addition to the wreath-laying and memorial lecture, the city, in partnership with the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation and Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), has organised a month-long programme to celebrate the life of OR Tambo and his wife Adelaide.

On Thursday, 30 October 2025, a round-table discussion will be held at the OR Tambo International Airport conference centre, bringing together historians, political veterans, and thought leaders to reflect on Tambo’s contributions to the liberation struggle and his vision for South Africa.

Music and the arts, both of which were close to Tambo’s heart, will also form part of the celebrations. The OR Tambo Choral Music Festival, themed “Imvelaphi; Our Origins,” will take place on Saturday, 1 November 2025 at the OR Tambo Narrative Centre in Wattville. The festival will feature choirs and music groups from across the city, showcasing indigenous choral traditions and cultural heritage.

Later in the month, on 20 November 2025, the city will host a colourful exhibition at the OR Tambo Narrative Centre. The exhibition will showcase artwork, photographs, and historical materials reflecting Tambo’s life and the broader liberation movement. It will also serve as a precursor to the upcoming G20 Summit, promoting Ekurhuleni’s cultural and tourism offerings.