South Africa Has Betrayed Oliver Tambo’s Legacy, Says Justice Madlanga
Retired Constitutional Court Justice and Madlanga Commission chairperson Mbuyiseli Madlanga says South Africa has betrayed the values of struggle icon Oliver Tambo, citing widespread corruption, gender-based violence and femicide.
Delivering the 2026 Oliver Tambo Memorial Lecture at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in Johannesburg on Friday evening, Madlanga questioned whether the country had lived up to Tambo’s ideals.
“South Africa has definitely betrayed Tambo,” he said.
Madlanga condemned the continued killing and abuse of women, including recent incidents in Ekurhuleni, saying such violence goes against Tambo’s vision of a free and non-sexist society.
He also described corruption as one of the greatest betrayals of Tambo’s legacy, stressing that public resources should serve citizens rather than enrich individuals.
Reflecting on Tambo’s leadership, Madlanga praised his selflessness, integrity and commitment to future generations, urging South African leaders to uphold the same principles.
The lecture comes 33 years after Tambo’s death in 1993, with Madlanga warning that the country still has much work to do to fulfil the promises of democracy.