By Thabo Mosia
Gwede Mantashe, the ANC National Chairperson, emphasised the importance of incorporating the life and legacy of Oliver Tambo into South Africa’s educational system. At a commemorative event in Watville, Mantashe stated that understanding Tambo’s contributions to the country’s liberation is essential for educating future generations.
This morning, ANC National Executive Committee members gathered at the Tamboville Cemetery in Benoni, Gauteng, to honor the legacy of Oliver Reginald Tambo, one of the ANC’s longest-serving leaders and an iconic anti-apartheid activist. The event, held annually, has taken on renewed importance as ANC leaders, including Mantashe, have highlighted Tambo’s dedication to the liberation movement, his commitment to democratic principles, and his role in shaping South Africa’s political landscape.
In his address, Mantashe argued that young South Africans must be educated about Tambo’s historical significance, suggesting that including such teachings in the national curriculum would preserve Tambo’s legacy and ensure the “people’s history” is accessible to future generations. This suggestion reflects the ANC’s broader mission to solidify its historical contributions and counter narratives that overlook its struggle against apartheid.
Mantashe’s speech comes at a time of heightened political tension as the ANC faces challenges over coalition politics. Recently, Mantashe rebuked claims that the ANC was forming special alliances with the Democratic Alliance (DA) as part of a Government of National Unity (GNU). He dismissed criticisms, particularly from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the South African Communist Party (SACP), which accused the ANC of “selective righteousness” in its willingness to work with the DA. Mantashe contended that engaging with the DA is necessary given the ANC’s current parliamentary position, noting that other parties also interact with the DA within legislative frameworks .
During the event, Mantashe highlighted the ANC’s commitment to recapturing control of South Africa’s economic centers, where the party has seen significant declines. He connected this goal with Tambo’s legacy, emphasizing that restoring ANC leadership in provinces like Gauteng and the Western Cape is critical to upholding the party’s mission. This vision aligns with Tambo’s legacy, as Mantashe noted, pointing out Tambo’s enduring influence on ANC ideology and strategy.
As the country heads toward another election cycle, Mantashe reiterated that the ANC’s path to “restoration” is rooted in addressing the evolving needs of South Africans and combating “colonial contradictions”—issues of race, class, and gender that persist as remnants of apartheid. Drawing from Tambo’s principles, Mantashe urged ANC members to prioritize inclusive governance and address the trust gap between the ANC and South Africans, emphasizing that social and economic inequalities must be central to the party’s agenda .
The commemorative ceremony closed with a call to “restore the ANC to its rightful place in society” and continue advocating for social justice on a global scale, with a notable mention of solidarity with Palestine, a long-standing cause for the ANC.
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