CITY TO HONOUR O.R TAMBO WITH AN ARRAY OF ACTIVITIES

23 Oct 2025

The Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Cllr Nkosindiphile Xhakaza had bilateral talks with his Reggio Emilia counterpart Mayor Marco Massari at the O.R Tambo Narrative Centre in Wattville, Benoni this afternoon.

This was a massive milestone in cementing relations between the city of Ekurhuleni and Reggio Emilia city in Italy. The two cities have a sister’s agreement that has been going on for years now, which has resulted in the Italian city adopting Wattville community library which ultimately led to the renaming of the facility to Sonchini library. As a result of this relationship, the facility has received a number of books from the Reggio Emilia administration.

“This is a very important relationship between the two cities, especially considering the socio-economic dynamics of both. We have learnt best practices from each other over the years. We also value the relationship we share with the city of Reggio Emilia and we are very impressed about the amount of history that they have on South Africa especially when it comes to O.R Tambo. It is critical for our City and her people to continue to tap from it and learn more about our liberation stalwart and the sacrifices he made for all South Africans to be free. Over and above that, we need to look at how we can now link our cities to benefit from the skills sets that exist between the cities and imparting knowledge that can improve the people of both regions,” said Executive Mayor Ald. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.

The City of Ekurhuleni conferred the freedom of the city to Oliver Tambo and later resolved to declare the month of October which is Tambo’s birthday month the O.R Tambo month.

Every year, during the month of October the city commemorates the life and times of O.R Tambo through a series of activities which includes the wreath laying ceremony on Tambos birthday, the 27th of October.

As such, the city in partnership with the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo foundation together with Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) has put together an impactful month-long programme to celebrate the life and times of O.R and his wife Adelaide Tambo.

This year’s activities will include the annual wreath laying ceremony which will see members of the Tambo family together with prominent political leaders laying wreaths of remembrance at the O R Tambo Memorial heritage site in Wattville near Benoni on Monday, 27 October 2025.

Subsequently, a round table discussion will be held at the O.R Tambo International Airport conference centre on Thursday, 30 October 2025. This profound event is set to be headlined by profound think-tanks comprising of thought leaders, eminent historians and veteran activists.

Oliver Tambo a once charismatic chorister himself believed in the power of music that can promote cultural inclusion and artistic diversity.

Therefore, the city will host the O.R Tambo choral music festival under the theme “Imvelaphi-Our Origins”. The festival which seeks to explore and elevate indigenous musical traditions through choral expressions will be held on Saturday, 01 November 2025 at the O.R Tambo Narrative Centre, showcasing choral artistry from music groups from across the city.

The arts community will also contribute with their craft by hosting a colourful O.R Tambo exhibition on Thursday, 20 November 2025 at the O.R Tambo Narrative Centre in Wattville. The exhibition will serve as the precursor for the G20 summit which is set to promote the city’s rich tourism offering

More details on the month-long activities will be made available on the city’s digital platforms.