Zuma hails Tambo's love and selfless service

Zuma unveiled a life-size statue of the struggle stalwart at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Thursday.

The airport has been hit by a spate of follow-home robberies, where criminals target travellers on their way home from the airport. 

President Zuma said criminality at the country's busiest and biggest airport will not be tolerated.

"We take this crime very seriously. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to ensure that such attacks come to an end and that criminals are brought to book. A team has been assembled from all agencies to work on this critical intervention. We must uphold the memory of OR Tambo by making this airport and every other part of our country safe." 

-Economic Freedom-

The president also touched on the country's economy and what is needed to stimulate growth. 

Quoting OR Tambo Zuma stated: "It is inconceivable for liberation to have meaning without a return of the wealth of the country to the people as a whole."

Zuma said South Africa must ensure opportunities are created for black industrialists and black-owned enterprises to participate in the aviation economy.

-A son remembers his father- 

OR Tambo's son Dali Tambo said the 2.5 metre bronze statue will ensure his father is remembered for years to come. Dali campaigned for 11 years for a statue to be erected at the airport.

"I questioned whether my father would be remembered by future generations. Today confirms that the movement cherishes the idea of liberation heritage being fostered to balance the scales of apartheid and colonial heritage across the length and breadth of our country."

The ceremony unveiling forms part of the O.R. Tambo centenary celebrations being held across the country under the theme "Life and Legacy of OR Tambo".

Tambo was an anti-aparthied activist and revolutionary who served as president of the African  National Congress (ANC) from 1967 to 1991.

The strong fight against apartheid brought Tambo to strike up a series of intense international relationships.

He spent 30 years in exile.