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Oliver Tambo

Oliver TamboAKA Oliver Reginald Tambo

Born: 27-Oct-1917
Birthplace: Mbizana, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Died: 24-Apr-1993
Location of death: Johannesburg, South Africa
Cause of death: Stroke

Gender: Male
Religion: Methodist
Race or Ethnicity: Black
Sexual orientation: Straight
Occupation: Government

Nationality: South Africa
Executive summary: ANC President, 1969-91

Originally christened "Kaizana", after the opponent of the British, Kaizer Wilhelm, his name had to be changed so that he could attend school, Holy Cross at Flagstaff, a missionary school in the Eastern Cape. Tambo's schooling at this time was financed by two kindly English sisters. Afterwards he attended St. Peter's in Johannesburg, following that receiving something of a scholarship to attend Fort Hare University -- the novelty being that he was both black and from the Transkei. He graduated in 1941. He came into contact with the likes of Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela, becoming involved with the ANC Youth movement and then the ANC itself. He rose to National Secretary, replacing Sisulu. And in 1955 when Sisulu was banned by South African law, he became Secretary General and Deputy President. This time he himself was banned, and after the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, the entire organization immediately came under the ban. Tambo succeeded to the presidency of the ANC after the death of Chief Albert Luthuli. While in exile, Tambo remained one of the most respected leaders in Africa. His exile continued until 1990 when there occurred a full ANC meeting (the first in over thirty years). Because of a stroke Mandela became the de facto leader of the organization, until Tambo's death from another stroke in 1993.

Father: Mzimeni Tambo
Mother: Julia
Wife: Adelaide Tsukudu (m. 1956)

    High School: St Peters College, Rossettenville, South Africa
    University: BSc, Mathematics and Physics, University of Fort Hare (1941)
    Teacher: St Peters College, Rossettenville, South Africa

    African National Congress President (1969-91)
    Exiled (1960-90)
    Stroke 1989


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