The ANC Veterans’ League has called on South Africans to honour the legacy of former African National Congress (ANC) president Oliver Reginald Tambo by demanding ethical leadership, accountability and effective governance ahead of the November 4 local government elections.
In a statement marking the 109th anniversary of Tambo’s birth on Tuesday, October 27, the league said the true measure of respect for the struggle veteran was not simply celebrating the ANC’s liberation history, but translating the principles he fought for into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary South Africans.
The organisation acknowledged that, 32 years into democracy, poverty, unemployment, inequality and social exclusion continued to undermine the promises of freedom.
It warned that these challenges were driving some citizens towards political parties offering quick solutions to complex problems, while others were losing faith in voting and government.
The league also cautioned against blaming migrants for the country’s difficulties, saying South Africa needed to confront its problems without scapegoating vulnerable groups.
“A vote for the ANC should not be a vote for the ANC’s liberation legacy, but for effective governance for a better life,” the league said.
It said Tambo’s political legacy was rooted in sacrifice, humility, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the freedom and dignity of all South Africans.
It recalled how Tambo sustained the liberation movement during exile and oppression, including convening the Morogoro ANC Conference amid low morale, internal divisions and military setbacks.
According to the league, the conference helped pull the ANC back from the brink of collapse.
It also highlighted Tambo’s international diplomatic efforts in the late 1980s, when he travelled extensively despite declining health to secure support for the Consensus Resolution, which the organisation described as a blueprint for negotiations towards a democratic South Africa.
The league said his leadership demonstrated the importance of trusting the people and prioritising their interests.
It argued that these principles remained relevant amid growing political divisions, authoritarianism and intolerance in different parts of the world.
The leagues spokesperson, Snuki Zikalala cited political developments internationally and highlighted the role of young people and student movements in challenging established political leadership.
It also expressed hope that elections in different countries would help reverse what it described as a trend towards exploitation, violence and disregard for vulnerable communities, including migrants, Palestinians, black people and LGBTIQ+ people.
Turning to South Africa, the league said the upcoming local government elections would test whether the country remained committed to Tambo’s belief in the will of the people.
The league urged voters to assess political parties on their ability to govern effectively and improve living conditions rather than relying solely on their historical credentials.
The organisation maintained that the ANC remained the political party most committed to the constitutional principles associated with Tambo and the preservation of democratic processes.
However, it stressed that the party’s liberation history alone was insufficient to secure public confidence.
The league called for ethical leadership, accountability and a renewed commitment to public service, arguing that leaders must acknowledge the complexity of the country’s challenges rather than promise easy victories.
It also emphasised Tambo’s commitment to non-racialism, saying South Africa’s diversity should unite communities rather than deepen divisions.
At a time of growing social fragmentation and intolerance, the league urged citizens to embrace Ubuntu, mutual respect and solidarity.
Tambo, who died in 1993, did not live to witness South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994. However, his leadership of the liberation movement helped lay the foundations for the country’s transition to democracy.
The league said honouring his contribution required defending democratic institutions, holding political leaders accountable and ensuring that ordinary people’s aspirations remained central to governance.
It said the responsibility rested with the more than 10,000 ANC candidates contesting positions across the country.
The organisation concluded by urging South Africans to vote for its party on November 4, linking support for it to its stated commitment to democratic values and improved governance.
