Pretoria - As part of paying tribute to and defending the legacy of struggle stalwart Oliver Tambo, government has allocated R24.8 million for the establishment of various commemorative projects.
These include the establishment of an interpretative centre at the Garden of Remembrance in Nkantolo in the Eastern Cape, the erection of Tambo's statue and the hosting of exhibitions in honour of OR Tambo.
This was announced by President Jacob Zuma on Monday during the Tambo memorial lecture series, an annual event which celebrates the legacy of Tambo as a great South African patriot, leader and humanist who dedicated his entire life to the struggle for the liberation of his people.
Zuma also announced that government will upgrade the homestead at which Tambo was born and turn it into a museum which will depict his life and times.
A total of R15 million has been set aside for the further development of the Mpondo Revolt Commemorative Site, adjacent to the Holy Cross Church in Ingquza Hills, where Tambo was a member and was baptized.
In addition, the Holy Cross Church will be declared a heritage site.
Tambo was one of the founding members of the ruling ANC in 1943. Zuma described him as the glue that held the ANC together in exile during challenging conditions.
"The values of unity, selflessness, sacrifice, collective leadership, humility, onesty, discipline, hard work, internal debates, constructive criticism and self-criticism and mutual respect, encapsulate what President Tambo stood for," said Zuma.
