Ministry of Justice
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Jack Straw celebrates life of Oliver Tambo

Jack Straw celebrates life of Oliver Tambo

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE News Release (127-07) issued by The Government News Network on 17 October 2007

Jack Straw, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, spoke today at a special tribute to the late African National Congress (ANC) President, Oliver Tambo.

Mr Tambo was co-founder of the modern South African state and he led the struggle in exile for many years from the London borough of Haringey, where the tribute was held. He was the president of the ANC from 1969.

Jack Straw said:

"The lasting legacy of Oliver Tambo does not rest in this memorial, as great as it is. Nor does it lie in the prosperous and free future South Africa can now enjoy.

His legacy will be in the hope he has offered to many across the world who struggle against oppressive dictatorships. And the conviction that the sacrifice of a few can bring about a great change for the many."

A bust of Mr Tambo, the work of the sculptor the late Ian Walters, was jointly unveiled by First Lady of South Africa, Mrs Zanele Mbeki, Haringey Council Leader Councillor George Meehan and Mr Straw.

Notes to Editors

1. To contact Haringey Council, Communications Office, contact Charles Wright, 8th Floor, River Park House, London N22 8HQ, 020 8489 2963, Charles.wright@haringey.gov.uk, http://www.haringey.gov.uk

2. The sculptor the late Ian Walter also created the 9ft bronze statue of Nelson Mandela, former South African President in Parliament Square, Westminster.

http://www.justice.gov.uk

ENDS

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