Oliver Tambo

Oliver Reginald Kaizana Tambo (27 October 1917 – 24 April 1993) was a South African anti-apartheid politician, activist, and revolutionary who served as President of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1967 to 1991. Quotes I’m afraid so. That is not merely a decision by the ANC. It is dictated by the expectations of the people. He responded that the development was not simply an ANC decision but was driven by popular expectations. This question is always put wrongly because it places the onus on us. We are reacting to a violent system. Tambo was responding to a question about whether violence was the only remaining alternative for resolving South Africa's political problems. The real alternative is the acceptance of the just demands of the majority of the people of South Africa for a social system which is based on a recognition of their humanity. Tambo gave this as his answer when discussing alternatives to violence and the political conditions required to resolve the South African conflict. Our people are organising all over South Africa, and getting better all the time. Tambo was explaining why he believed the liberation movement could ultimately overcome the military and police strength of the apartheid government. We are no longer asking for slight shifts in the official forms of domination by the white minority. We have travelled far beyond that point. Tambo was responding to questions about reforms introduced by the apartheid government and argued that limited changes to apartheid structures did not meet the demands of the majority. The power should derive from the people as a whole. They should then use that power to create the kind of South Africa they want. Tambo was asked what kind of political system the ANC envisaged for South Africa. He emphasized popular political power and the right of South Africans to determine the country's future. The decisions of the Lancaster House Conference on Zimbabwe, the fact that the Conference was held at all, represent a major victory for the forces of progress and national liberation in southern Africa and Africa as a whole. He sees the conference and its outcome as significant for liberation movements throughout southern Africa. An independent Zimbabwe will, by the mere fact of its existence, by standing out as a product of the sacrifices that the people of Zimbabwe have made, affect our people as a material factor affirming that our own sacrifices will surely bring us liberation. Tambo explained how Zimbabwe's independence could strengthen the confidence of South Africans engaged in the liberation struggle. Our strategy for liberation from this tyrannical regime, given its nature, which it is now trying very unsuccessfully to camouflage, is based on the concept and the practice that our liberation can only come through the united mass action of the people. Tambo was explaining the ANC's strategy for ending apartheid and emphasized united mass action as a central component of the liberation struggle. It is most important to bear in mind that the economy of South Africa is the bedrock on which rests the apartheid State machinery. Tambo was discussing the importance of labour struggles and strikes, arguing that the South African economy provided the material foundation for the apartheid state. In our millions we have fought common battles together, recognising quite clearly that our strength lies in our unity. Tambo was discussing national unity and the ANC's efforts to build political consciousness among South Africans who shared a history of oppression and exploitation. What is of decisive importance is unity in action - action which draws the masses of the people into struggle against white minority domination and exploitation. Tambo was discussing the ANC's approach to other organizations opposed to apartheid and emphasized cooperation and united action. External links Category:1917 births Category:1993 deaths Category:Anti-apartheid activists Category:Xhosa people