Oliver Tambo: On Chief Albert John Luthuli

Oliver Tambo: On Chief Albert John Luthuli

(Extracts of a Statement following the Passing On of ANC President-General of the ANC of S.A., Chief Albert John Luthuli, 21 July 1967)

“Chief Albert John Luthuli, the beloved President-General of the African National Congress (S.A.); one of Africa’s greatest political figures of our times; the undisputed leader of and respected spokesman for South Africa’s millions of oppressed, exploited and humiliated inhabitants, passed from the scene of active struggle for political rights and national liberation.”

“Chief Luthuli’s death is a heavy blow to all freedom fighters, oppressed, exploited and humiliated people of South Africa. Indeed, the whole of Africa, our organisation, the liberation movement and progressive mankind are today the poorer through his death.”

“Chief Luthuli was a profound thinker, a man of powerful logic with a keen sense of justice, a man of lofty principles, a bold and courageous fighter and statesman. He was a true African nationalist and an unflinching patriot. Although he grew up under tribal conditions and surroundings, he was uncompromising against racialism, tribalism and all forms of racial and sectional exclusiveness.”

“He believed in and fought for full political, economic and social opportunities for the oppressed people of South Africa regardless of colour, creed, nationality or racial origin. A staunch anti-imperialist, anti-colonialist, he fought and obtained the co-operation of all anti-apartheid, anti-imperialist progressive movements and organisations in South Africa.”

“As a practicing Christian, Chief Luthuli genuinely and sincerely believed in the well-being, happiness and dignity of all human beings. Because of his convictions, he sacrificed all prospects of personal gains and comforts and dedicated his life to the cause and service of his fellowmen.”

“There is a wrong and unfortunate impression that Chief Luthuli was a pacifist, or some kind of apostle of non-violence. This impression is incorrect and misleading. … What is correct, however, is that as a man of principle and as a leader of unquestionable integrity, Chief Luthuli defended the policy entrusted to him by his organisation and saw to it that it was implemented. When that policy was officially and constitutionally changed, he did not falter.”

“A Great Fighter Has Fallen.”

Source:
Oliver Tambo, “Chief Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli – Isitwalandwe, 1898 – 1967”, Sechaba, Vol. 1, No. 8, August 1967.

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