Oliver Tambo was a teacher and an anti-apartheid activist and politician that founded the ANC Youth League alongside Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu to develop the 1949 programme of action that introduced new tactics to fight the apartheid government using boycotts, mass rebellions and strikes. He became its first National Secretary and a member of the National Executive in 1948. He served as the African National Congress’ president from 1967 till 1991 while in exile for over 30 years after being banned by the apartheid government under the Suppression of Communism Act.

After the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, Tambo was, by the ANC, to mobilise an international mission that was against apartheid South Africa. Under his leadership and efforts aboard, he succeeded in garnering prestige and popularity for the ANC turning the struggle against apartheid from being merely a South African issue but rather an international fight against racism that fought for the collective freedom of all South Africans.

Tambo’s background in teaching aided in his effective stewardship of the Youth League and the ANC party as he shaped and guided many leaders that came after him who fought the fight even after his retirement. This highlights the importance of educational leaders that shape the minds of tomorrow’s leaders and fighters through instilling values, knowledge and discipline to those under their guidance. Teachers play a vital role in every society’s development as they foster critical thinking skills in young minds that will make impactful change tomorrow. This Freedom Month, we celebrate every teacher and leader that continuously makes an impact on the minds and lives of their learners and create a safe space for all the young voices in South Africa to be heard and empowered without fear of judgement.