South Africa: Bishops mourn widow of anti-apartheid hero

Catholic bishops of Southern Africa expressed sadness at the death last week of Adelaide Tambo, wife of anti-apartheid hero Oliver Tambo. Mrs Tambo, aged 78, died of a heart attack on February 1. The wife of the former African National Congress (ANC) president was herself a veteran of the South African struggle against institutional racism. The Southern Africa Catholic Bishops, Conference (SACBC) Secretary-General Fr Vincent Brennan described Mrs Tambo as "a woman who,s life knew great sacrifice on behalf of her family and her country; both of which she loved with a passion. "The long years of exile in London and all the hardship exile brought, did nothing to dampen her wonderful, kind, devoted and caring spirit; which saw her become 'mother' to so many in exile and earn the affectionate name of 'Mama' for so many." Fr Brennan said: "a shining star of the new South Africa has gone out; but the memory of this remarkable woman will continue to inspire others for generations to come. She excelled in all that makes us truly human, and it is that humanity, expressed in so much love for so many, that will remain her legacy to us all." President Thabo Mbeki said he had lost a mother in Adelaide Tambo. Nelson Mandela, former South African president, said Mrs Tambo was an exceptional woman who was loyal to her family and country. "She was OR's (Oliver) life-long partner, caring supporter, confidante and struggle comrade." Source: CISA