Ramaphosa and SADC Leaders Honor OR Tambo’s Regional Solidarity Legacy in Durban

President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored the enduring vision of liberation icon Oliver Reginald Tambo, paying homage to his pivotal role in forging regional solidarity across Southern Africa during the darkest decades of apartheid.

On Sunday, President Ramaphosa stood alongside fellow Heads of State and Government from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. The event took place at the statue of O.R. Tambo situated in OR Tambo Square, eThekwini, against the backdrop of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government currently convening in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Welcoming the presidential delegation to the coastal province were KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, and eThekwini Executive Mayor Cyril Xaba. The gathering served as a powerful reminder of Tambo’s diplomatic brilliance, sacrifice, and decades of international advocacy that kept the anti-apartheid flame alive from exile.

Opening the proceedings, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni reflected on the collective sacrifices that birthed freedom across the region. She emphasized that honoring Tambo at the foot of his monument was also a tribute to the broader network of nations that stood resolute against minority rule.

“I take this opportunity to welcome you to the wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the fallen heroes for the struggle of the countries of Southern Africa in their totality. We do this at the foot of the statue of President General Reginald Oliver Tambo of the African National Congress, who led the ANC during their years in exile and made sure that he mobilised the region… to make sure that they support South Africa to live in their fight for freedom and liberation,” Minister Ntshavheni stated.

The historical architecture of this regional partnership relied heavily on the Frontline States—the coalition of Southern African nations formed in the 1970s to confront colonialism and apartheid. Ntshavheni noted that these nations operated with a unified vision, recognizing that South Africa’s emancipation was inextricably linked to the total liberation of the entire sub-continent.

“In the quest for the liberation of South Africa, the Frontline States worked together to make sure that other countries within the region also get their freedom,” she explained, while acknowledging the heavy toll exacted by cross-border destabilization. She explicitly referenced historical tragedies and triumphs such as the Matola and Maseru massacres, alongside the decisive Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, which reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Southern Africa.

Following military honors, President Ramaphosa placed a wreath at the monument alongside visiting SADC leaders. The gesture bridged historical memory with contemporary regional governance, reinforcing that the peace, security, and economic integration pursued at the ongoing Durban summit are built upon foundations of blood, solidarity, and shared sacrifice.