Ramaphosa: OR Tambo was ‘architect of our freedom’
President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled giant statue of the late struggle stalwart Oliver Tambo at OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park.
The statue was unveiled on what would have been Tambo’s 103rd birthday on Tuesday.
Ramaphosa said the statue is meant to symbolise a united nation moving forward in the development that OR Tambo wanted to see.
"Oliver Tambo was the architect of our freedom. Thanks to his activism, people living in these distant lands got to know of our struggle and gladly joined it.
“It is therefore most fitting that this statue has been erected here at this airport that bears his name, and that is a gateway to the continent and to the world," said Ramaphosa.
He said the statue will become an essential stop for visitors to the OR Tambo cultural precinct.
"In erecting this statue we affirm the importance of preserving our heritage for the benefit of future generations. But we are also telling the world we have not forgotten our heroes.
“We remember them, we want their stories known and we want their lives to inspire and encourage us as we strive together for a better world."
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