Adelaide Tambo

Adelaide Frances Tambo (née Tshukudu; 18 July 1929 – 31 January 2007) was a South African anti-apartheid activist, political exile, and regarded as a hero of the liberation struggle against apartheid. She was involved in South African politics for five decades and was married to the late Oliver Tambo, president of the African National Congress (ANC), from 1956 until his death in 1993.

Quotes

• In Winnie Mandela’s trials and tribulations we have in microcosm the experiences of thousands of wives and mothers of political prisoners and detainees who pass through the dungeons of the apartheid regime. These torments inflicted on one woman are a vivid example of the ruthless persecution to which opponents of racism and apartheid are subjected.
  • "Adelaide Tambo on Winnie Mandela, I.D.A.F. News Notes, June 1982"
  • Published excerpt of a speech given by Adelaide Tambo on Winnie Winnie Madikizela-Mandela at Haverford College, Pennsylvania to accept the honorary Doctorate of Law bestowed on Mrs Winnie Mandela by the college.

Quotes about person/work

• Adelaide’s servant-leadership towards marginalised communities under the apartheid state traversed to serving those who were close to her heart and in society’s margins, such as the elderly and children living with disabilities. Adelaide strongly believed in serving all members of society equally, regardless of their socio-economic status.
  • "Celebrating iMbokodo and Adelaide Tambo’s legacy, Puleng Segalo and Tinyiko Chauke", Mail & Guardian, 9 August 2021