In October 2006 the country’s flagship airport was renamed as a tribute to one of the new South Africa’s most important founding fathers.
Oliver Reginald Tambo, fondly known as O.R. by his peers, is renowned in South Africa and abroad for his significant contribution to the liberation of South Africa. He was president of the African National Congress (ANC) for 30 years and spent much of this time in exile, mobilising international support for the ANC and opposition to the apartheid movement.
Tambo has been described as the glue that held the anti-apartheid movement together during its toughest struggles. He was a relentless lobbyist for South Africa’s freedom. His efforts helped create awareness of the plight of black South Africans, which eventually led to widespread international embargoes.
“There is no one more deserving of such an accolade than Mr Tambo and ACSA is honoured that our flagship airport, our international gateway, has been chosen to bear his name as a tribute to him,” says Monhla Hlahla, ACSA’s Managing Director.
On 24 April 1993, Oliver Tambo died from a stroke, having fought for the freedom of his people for the best part of his life.