Through this unique, newly released film, viewers are given the rare opportunity of getting insights into the life, ethos and politics of Oliver Tambo, the leader of the ANC that was instrumental in bringing an end to apartheid.
The streaming of the film, which was only completed at the end of 2017, celebrates the 100
th year of Oliver Tambo’s birth and could not come at a more opportune moment, with the entire southern African region focused on political upheaval and the toppling of established leaders and norms.
Albie Sachs, executive producer of the film, has this to say of the production, “This is a spirited, lively and eminently watchable film that brings Oliver Tambo to life on-screen, with moving and poignant interviews from Chris Hani, Kenneth Kaunda and members of the Tambo family."
"The film shows not [just] the politics of the man, but also shines a light [on] a life lived on principles of ethics, compassion, inclusion and social justice and equality. We hope this film is seen by as many people as possible and we are actively supporting efforts to make it as accessible as possible.”
The film includes a large amount of precious, but little known, archival footage of this contradictory character: a man who loathed violence, but rose to the challenge of being the Commander-in-Chief of Mkhonto we Sizwe; and a man beloved as a leader of a revolutionary movement, while still maintaining the quiet demeanour of a natural democrat, always listening to and caring for everyone.
The film closely explores Tambo's three main achievements:
- Keeping the ANC intact during three decades of exile
- Spearheading the successful international campaign to isolate apartheid South Africa, and
- Imparting his DNA to South Africa's widely acclaimed Constitution.
For more information, visit
afridocs.net. You can also follow AfriDocs on
Facebook or on
Twitter.
Image courtesy of the Nationaal Archief, under this license.