Tributes from political parties and leaders from other sections of society continued pouring in on Thursday for Adelaide Tambo, widow of former African National Congress president Oliver Tambo, who died on Wednesday.
She collapsed at her home in Johannesburg where she died at the age of 77.
Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said South Africa would sorely miss Tambo in these days when the country needed knowledge.
”When I think of Ma Adelaide I think of generosity of spirit, dignity and her ability to see the bigger picture.”
The South African Communist Party (SACP) remembered Tambo as a mother of the nation, child of the revolution, gallant fighter and an inspiration to the entire liberation movement.
”We will always be indebted to the likes of Adelaide and many other women cadres of our movement for their contribution in being in the forefront of building our nation,” the SACP said in a statement.
The Young Communist League saluted the generation of Ma Tambo for their sacrifices which led to the country’s freedom from the ”yoke of oppression and apartheid colonialism”.
”Her name will be engraved in our hearts and minds. We will continue to advance the democracy we enjoy today as a result of her love, dedication and commitment to the people of our country, the youth in particular.”
The South African Students Congress said it would dearly miss Tambo’s commitment to uplifting the abject conditions faced by the people through the various projects she initiated.
”It is her wisdom that led to the country’s women emancipation, and we can proudly celebrate her achievement in this regard.”
The National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) described Tambo’s contribution to the country’s democratic state as immeasurable.
”Mama Tambo will be an irreplaceable void in the history of the struggle for a free and democratic society.
”Her contribution did not only bring about a new world order in restoration of human dignity, but has also brought about social equity and maximising economic participation.”
She was a leader who brought together business, labour, the government and community-based organisations in the formulation and refining of the country’s economic policies, Nedlac said.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it learnt with deep sadness that South Africa had lost such a great political leader and activist.
”Adelaide’s presence and participation as an MP in the country’s first democratic Parliament was both symbolically and substantively important,” said DA leader Tony Leon.
British High Commissioner Paul Boateng said Tambo had left a huge gap in the lives of many in South Africa, Africa and the United Kingdom.
”An activist, heroine of the struggle and, above all, a mother to a beloved family and many of us worldwide, Mama Tambo will be remembered particularly in my North London home as a pioneering nurse and welfare worker.
”Her place in history and all our hearts is assured and her memory will live on forever.”
Chairperson of the National Democratic Convention (Nadeco) said: ”Mama Adelaide had all the qualities of a mother. She carried the title of Mama with pride”.
Professor Errol Tyobeka, Vice-Chancellor and principal of the Tshwane University of Technology said the university had lost a legend and a compassionate woman.
”I am sad, very sad today. Our university has lost its first chancellor, a woman of stature, vision and indomitable courage.”
Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane described Tambo as a woman of great dignity and courage.
”Like her husband, she was wholehearted in her dedication to the struggle and ultimate liberation of all South Africans.
”Her care for those in exile is well known,” said Ndungane, who heads the church in Southern Africa.
United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa Tambo’s role in the struggle was well documented.
”We can learn from her remarkable life the extraordinary manner in which she was always there during happy and difficult times for her husband, children and community.
”She was a shining example of the power of love and of family.”
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi said: ”Mama Tambo was a towering figure of the liberation struggle.
On Wednesday night, President Thabo Mbeki expressed his sadness and deepest condolences over Adelaide’s death.
His spokesperson Mukoni Ratshitanga said in a statement that Mbeki had been in contact with some of Tambo’s relatives since her death.
”Starting from 1944 when she began working for the ANC as a courier, Ma Tambo devoted her entire adult life to the struggle against apartheid and the creation of a democratic non-racial and non sexist society.
”As well as being a pillar of support to her late husband and president of the ANC, Ma Tambo contributed to the struggle immensely as an activist in her own right.”
Mbeki said her passing away amounted to a loss to the entire country and the international community.
Tambo is survived by three children, Thembi, Dali and Tselane, and several grandchildren. – Sapa