Adelaide Tambo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adelaide Tambo
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| Born |
Adelaide Frances Tshukudu
18 July 1929 Top Location, Vereeniging, Union of South Africa
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| Died | 31 January 2007 (aged 77) Johannesburg, South Africa
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| Nationality | South African |
| Occupation | Anti-apartheid activist, politician |
| Political party | ANC |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 3 |
Adelaide Frances Tambo (born Tshukudu; 18 July 1929 – 31 January 2007) was a brave South African activist. She fought against a system called apartheid. This system had unfair laws that separated people based on their race. She was also a political exile, meaning she had to leave her home country for a time because of her political work.
Adelaide Tambo was involved in South African politics for over 50 years. She was married to Oliver Tambo, who was a very important leader of the African National Congress (ANC). The ANC was a group that worked to end apartheid. Adelaide Tambo was well-known for her important role in this fight for freedom.
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Who Was Adelaide Tambo?
Adelaide Frances Tshukudu was born on 18 July 1929. People in South Africa often called her Mama Tambo, which means "Mother Tambo." This shows how much she was loved and respected.
When she was just 10 years old, she saw something that changed her life. Her elderly grandfather was arrested during a difficult event in her town. He became unwell, and she had to stay with him until he felt better. After this, she promised herself she would fight against unfair treatment.
She went to school in Johannesburg and Soweto. Later, she became a nurse at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
How Did She Start Her Activism?
Adelaide Tambo began working for the ANC in 1944. She was a courier, which meant she secretly carried messages for the group.
When she was 18, she joined the ANC Youth League. She helped open new branches of this group in the Transvaal area. She was also chosen to lead the George Goch branch.
In 1960, she left South Africa with her husband, Oliver Tambo. She continued to work as a courier for him. She also helped start two important international groups:
- The Afro-Asian Solidarity Movement
- The Pan African Women's Organization (PAWO) in 1963
Her Political Work
After apartheid ended in South Africa, Adelaide Tambo became a member of parliament. She served from 1994 to 1999. This meant she helped make laws for the country.
She received high honors for her work:
- The Order of the Baobab in Gold: This is one of the highest awards given by the South African government.
- The Order of Simon of Cyrene: This award is given by the South African Anglican Church to people who have done great service.
Her Family and Legacy
Adelaide Tambo married Oliver Tambo in December 1956. They had three children together. Their son, Dali, is a well-known television personality.
Adelaide Tambo passed away on 31 January 2007, at the age of 77. She was buried next to her husband in her hometown of Wattville. Many important people, including presidents Thabo Mbeki and Nelson Mandela, attended her funeral.
Adelaide Tambo is remembered as a strong and dedicated leader who fought for justice and equality in South Africa.
