Overview

Contributors to this publication, many of whom were born, raised, and educated in exile, have each written a letter to Uncle O. R. Tambo in memory of his centenary. At times praising, at times questioning, at other times lamenting present circumstances, and almost all of them asking in exasperation: where are you now when we need you most, Uncle Comrade President Tambo?

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9781928341024

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Reviews

When I tell friends about this book, they express amazement. `Where and how did the notion come about,’ they ask. The answer is simple. The genesis of this book resides deep in the DNA of Oliver Tambo’s ANC, his ethical, principled, humane, compassionate practical leadership and vision. Yes, it is born of, especially, his love of culture, the arts in general, music, and the written word, in particular. — Lindiwe Mabuza, former Ambassador; This significant contribution to the South African political history, through letters and photographs, is the realisation of the passion and commitment of Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza. It is a reminder that the fight for the liberation of our country – as my mother, Dr Adelaide Tambo, once said – is not quite done. That all South Africans have a duty to fight for the legacy left to us by our many fallen heroes. — Nomathemba Tambo, Ambassador; Conversations with Uncle O. R. presents a unique opportunity for the reader to get a glimpse of the thoughts, aspirations, trepidations and regrets held by those who experienced and grew up under O. R. as children in exile. Their stories bring to life the reality of exile as seen through the eyes of the hopeful and trusting children who, as adults, 30 years on, take amoment to reflect on their relationship with Uncle O. R. — Linda Vilakazi, CEO, O. R. Tambo Foundation; O. R.’s early, humble life and his traditional rural roots moulded his style in politics and leadership, and while the expertise he acquired through education and experience was very different, he combined them creatively to develop an approach that reached and empowered a broad range of people, both nationally and internationally. — Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthetwa; It is my wish that this book be a valuable contribution to all the libraries of South Africa and beyond. But I also fervently hope that President Oliver Reginal Tambo, as seen through the eyes of some of his most successful proteges, will inspire millions with his impeccable leadership qualities, as he was simply one of the most humane human beings. — Zanele Mbeki, former First Lady

When I tell friends about this book, they express amazement. `Where and how did the notion come about,' they ask. The answer is simple. The genesis of this book resides deep in the DNA of Oliver Tambo's ANC, his ethical, principled, humane, compassionate practical leadership and vision. Yes, it is born of, especially, his love of culture, the arts in general, music, and the written word, in particular. - Lindiwe Mabuza, former Ambassador; This significant contribution to the South African political history, through letters and photographs, is the realisation of the passion and commitment of Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza. It is a reminder that the fight for the liberation of our country - as my mother, Dr Adelaide Tambo, once said - is not quite done. That all South Africans have a duty to fight for the legacy left to us by our many fallen heroes. - Nomathemba Tambo, Ambassador; Conversations with Uncle O. R. presents a unique opportunity for the reader to get a glimpse of the thoughts, aspirations, trepidations and regrets held by those who experienced and grew up under O. R. as children in exile. Their stories bring to life the reality of exile as seen through the eyes of the hopeful and trusting children who, as adults, 30 years on, take amoment to reflect on their relationship with Uncle O. R. - Linda Vilakazi, CEO, O. R. Tambo Foundation; O. R.'s early, humble life and his traditional rural roots moulded his style in politics and leadership, and while the expertise he acquired through education and experience was very different, he combined them creatively to develop an approach that reached and empowered a broad range of people, both nationally and internationally. - Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthetwa; It is my wish that this book be a valuable contribution to all the libraries of South Africa and beyond. But I also fervently hope that President Oliver Reginal Tambo, as seen through the eyes of some of his most successful proteges, will inspire millions with his impeccable leadership qualities, as he was simply one of the most humane human beings. - Zanele Mbeki, former First Lady

Author Information

Mabuza was born in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa. She completed her high school at St Louis Betrand High School in Newcastle. She then attended Roma College in Lesotho and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. Mabuza moved to Swaziland and became a teacher of English and Zulu. In 1964, she moved to the United States and studied at Stanford University where she earned a Masters degree in English. She earned a second master's degree in History from the University of Minnesota, and in 1968, she became a lecturer there in the Department of Sociology. In 1969, she joined the University of Ohio as Assistant Professor of Literature and History. In 1993, she obtained a Diploma in Diplomacy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Her personal experience of racial segregation in South Africa, which led her to leave the country, and her exposure to the plight of African Americans in the Civil Rights Movement prompted Mabuza to join the struggle for the emancipation of her people in South Africa and Africa as a whole. In 1975, she joined the African National Congress (ANC) and moved to Lusaka, Zambia. In 1977 she became Editor of 'Voice of Women', a feminist journal for women in the ANC. She was also a radio journalist and broadcaster on Radio Freedom, which was the ANC's radio station, broadcasting from Zambia to multiple African countries. She was also the Chairperson of the ANC's Cultural Committee. In 1979, ANC president Oliver Reginald Tambo assigned Mabuza to open ANC offices in Scandinavia and to become the ANC's Chief Representative to Scandinavian countries, residing in Stockholm, Sweden. During her time there, she mobilised support and funds for the ANC and its work around the world, especially for exiled South Africans in Zambia. She also led campaigns and lobbied towards the isolation of South Africa through trade bans and boycotts. She forged strong relationships with Scandinavians and was very close to the Prime minister of Sweden, Olof Palme, who was a major supporter of the ANC and resistance to the apartheid government. By the time Mabuza left Scandinavia, she had managed to grow her work into Finland, Denmark, and Norway. in 1986, Mabuza was transferred from Sweden to the United States where she served as the ANC's Chief Representative. With the aid of the Swedes, Mabuza managed to open and run an office based in Washington, DC. She arrived in America shortly after the American government had imposed sanctions on Apartheid South Africa and lobbied Congress and worked with many American activists such as Jesse Jackson, Harry Belafonte, Muhammad Ali, Jane Fonda and many others. She was instrumental in the many boycotts, rallies and other efforts to frustrate the apartheid government. Her efforts, with the help of other organizations and American colleges across America, led to Coca-Cola and many other such corporations withdrawing their investments from South Africa. Later, after the political prisoners from Robben Island were released, including Nelson Mandela, Mabuza was key in organising Mandela's first visit to America. She was awarded The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver.

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