Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged South Africans to honour the legacy of liberation struggle stalwart Oliver Reginald Tambo by participating in democracy, holding leaders accountable, and working together to address the country's social and economic challenges. Speaking at the O.R. Tambo wreath-laying ceremony at Tamboville Cemetery in Wattville, Ekurhuleni, on 27 October, Mashatile said Tambo's commitment to freedom and equality should continue to guide the country's democratic journey.
The ceremony, held under the theme “Honouring O.R. Tambo's Legacy: Inspiring Active Citizenship and Responsible Voting”, was a reminder that the freedoms secured through the liberation struggle come with a responsibility to protect and strengthen democracy. Mashatile said that the greatest tribute to O.R. Tambo is not simply to remember him each year, but to live by the values he embodied. He argued that democracy cannot begin and end at the ballot box, but depends on citizens who remain informed, participate in public life, and hold elected representatives accountable for their decisions.
Born on 27 October 1917, Tambo devoted his life to the struggle against apartheid and served as president of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1967 to 1991. During his years in exile, he worked to sustain the liberation movement and build international solidarity against apartheid. He died on 24 April 1993, before South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, which extended the right to vote to citizens of all races. Reflecting on this history, Mashatile compared Tambo's journey to that of the biblical Moses, who led his people out of captivity but did not enter the promised land.
Tambo fought for a democratic South Africa that he would never fully experience. Mashatile said that every election is an opportunity to honour those who fought, suffered, and died for the freedoms enjoyed today. Every vote cast is a tribute to their sacrifice. He urged citizens to make informed electoral choices and recognise the responsibility that comes with choosing their representatives. He also stressed that political differences must be expressed peacefully, warning against violence, intimidation, and lawlessness during elections.
Mashatile acknowledged that South Africa continues to face serious challenges, including poverty, unemployment, inequality, crime, and gender-based violence. While the government has a central responsibility to address these issues, he said that lasting progress would require cooperation among the government, civil society, business, and communities. He pointed to volunteering, supporting vulnerable people, and confronting corruption as practical ways for citizens to contribute to stronger communities.
Mashatile placed responsibility on leaders as well as citizens, stressing that public representatives must serve ethically and respond to the needs of the people who elected them. This is particularly important at the municipal level, where decisions about water, sanitation, electricity, roads, and other essential services directly affect residents' daily lives. Beyond voting, residents can engage with their municipalities, raise concerns, and monitor whether elected representatives are fulfilling their responsibilities.
As South Africa reflects on Tambo's contribution to the liberation struggle, Mashatile said the country must continue working towards a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous society. He acknowledged that the promise of freedom remains incomplete while poverty, unemployment, and inequality continue to affect communities, arguing that every generation has a responsibility to confront the challenges of its time.
Key points
- Deputy President Paul Mashatile calls on South Africans to honour O.R. Tambo's legacy through active citizenship and responsible voting.
- Mashatile stresses the importance of cooperation among government, civil society, business, and communities to address South Africa's social and economic challenges.
- The country must continue working towards a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous society, as envisioned by Tambo.
