Johannesburg - The struggle for freedom and democracy, which was led by people such as former ANC leader Oliver Tambo is still not over, deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe said on Saturday.
“South Africa today...faces complex tasks...(such as) consolidating unity, non-racialism, non-sexism and striving for prosperity,” Motlanthe said in speech prepared for delivery at the opening of the OR Tambo national heritage site in Wattville on the East Rand.
“As we take this moment to pay homage to his (Tambo's) memory, we should always remember that the struggle he lived for is neither over nor nearer to its conclusion.”
He said if the current tasks of the African National Congress and the country were “not properly handled”, the gains since democracy would be reversed.
“We therefore need to work harder to keep at bay any threats that my undo the work of many years of struggle to bring about national reconstruction, peace, stability and social cohesion, among others,” Motlanthe said.
“Today, the world would do well to take a leaf from the book of humanists such as OR Tambo in striving to improve the lot of humanity.” - Sapa