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Tambo facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Tambo is a word with several different meanings, used for people, places, and even types of buildings or objects. It's a name you might hear in different parts of the world, especially in South Africa, Peru, and Australia.

What Does Tambo Mean?

The word "Tambo" can refer to many things. It can be a family name, a place name, or even describe a type of ancient building or a weapon. Let's explore some of the most interesting meanings of "Tambo."

Famous People Named Tambo

Two very important people from South Africa shared the name Tambo. They were a husband and wife who fought against a system called Apartheid. Apartheid was a set of unfair laws that separated people based on their race.

Oliver Tambo: A Hero for Justice

Oliver Tambo was a key leader in the fight against apartheid.

Oliver Reginald Tambo (1917–1993) was a brave South African leader. He spent many years fighting against apartheid. This was a time when people were treated differently because of their skin color. Oliver Tambo helped lead the African National Congress (ANC), a group that worked for equal rights.

He spent a long time living outside South Africa to keep the fight going. He traveled the world, telling people about the unfairness of apartheid. His work helped bring an end to these unjust laws.

Adelaide Tambo: A Life of Courage

Adelaide Tambo
Adelaide Tambo was also a strong activist against apartheid.

Adelaide Frances Tambo (1929–2007) was Oliver Tambo's wife and a hero in her own right. She was also a strong anti-apartheid activist. She worked as a nurse and helped many people.

Adelaide continued the fight for justice even when her husband was away. She supported families who were suffering because of apartheid. Both Oliver and Adelaide Tambo are remembered for their courage and dedication to freedom.

Places Called Tambo

Many places around the world are named Tambo. These names often come from local languages or historical events.

Tambo in Australia

In Australia, you can find several places named Tambo. These include:

  • Tambo River (Victoria): A river in the state of Victoria.
  • Tambo, Queensland: A town in the state of Queensland.
  • Blackall-Tambo Region: A larger area in Queensland that includes the town of Tambo.

These names often come from Indigenous Australian languages.

Tambo in Peru

Peru has many places named Tambo, often linked to its rich history:

  • Tambo River (Peru): Another river, this one in Peru.
  • Tambo District, Huaytará: A small administrative area in Peru.
  • Tambo Colorado: This is an important ancient site. It was a large Incan building used for many purposes.

Tambo in South Africa

In South Africa, the name Tambo honors the famous anti-apartheid leader:

  • OR Tambo District Municipality: A region named after Oliver Reginald Tambo.
  • OR Tambo International Airport: The main airport serving Johannesburg. It is also named after Oliver Tambo.

Other Places Named Tambo

  • Pizzo Tambo: A mountain in the Swiss Alps, near the border of Switzerland and Italy.
  • Tambo, California: A small place in the United States.

Other Meanings of Tambo

Beyond people and places, "Tambo" can also refer to specific objects or structures.

Tambo: Ancient Incan Buildings

Tambo Colorado is an example of an ancient Incan tambo building.

In the ancient Inca Empire of South America, a tambo was a very important building. These buildings were found along the Inca road system. They served many purposes:

  • Lodging: They provided places for travelers, messengers, and armies to rest.
  • Storage: Food, supplies, and tools were kept safe in tambos.
  • Record-keeping: Some tambos were used to store important records and information.

These structures were vital for the Inca Empire to manage its vast territory.

Tambo: A Martial Arts Weapon

A tambo can also be a type of weapon used in some martial arts. It is a very short staff, usually made of wood. It is used for defense and striking in close combat.

Related Pages

  • El Tambo

See Also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Tambo para niños

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