‘My father believed in discipline’: Oliver Tambo’s daughter slams burning of Fort Hare University
Nomathemba Tambo, daughter of struggle icon Oliver Tambo, has strongly denounced the recent burning of the University of Fort Hare’s facilities, calling the destruction a “big mistake” and urging young leaders to protect, rather than destroy, critical infrastructure.
In an interview with IOL on Monday, Tambo expressed deep sorrow over the violent protests that gutted key parts of the 109-year-old institution, a historic symbol of South Africa’s academic and social heritage.
“You know, my father grew up among the generation where discipline, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence were absolutely paramount,” Tambo said, referring to her father.
“Those qualities we have in abundance in South Africa, but sometimes when people feel desperate or hopeless, these ideals seem distant. It’s about how you conduct yourself, the character you want the world to see. It’s about being thoughtful and mindful.”
Tambo, also the former South African Ambassador to the United Kingdom, stressed the importance of understanding the consequences of one’s actions.
“My father was very thoughtful, very analytical. You must be aware of the consequences of your actions,” she remarked.
“We can absolutely condemn what happened, but it’s happened. Students felt betrayed, disempowered, and disappointed by what was happening, but I don’t think the response to burn the school is logical.”
“Be mindful because when you act emotionally, sometimes you do something that worsens the situation you want to fix. You’re not acting with reason, but always with common sense. To act, you need a cool head, not a hot one.”
Tambo highlighted the perseverance of past leaders like her father, who fought tirelessly for South Africa’s democracy despite enormous odds.
“He was called a terrorist but still spoke the truth and fought for rights. That kind of determination, endurance, is something we all need now,” she said, acknowledging the challenges facing the country today.
She urged young people to embrace responsible activism.
“There’s nothing wrong with being radical or ‘swimming upstream,’ but you must understand the consequences and where your actions will lead. We don’t have the luxury to give up on South Africa. We must make it work here because we have a great country and people.”
The University of Fort Hare suffered immense damage amid the protests, which included a variety of student demands, including the call for the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu.
The violent unrest resulted in fires that destroyed key university buildings.
The Alice campus’s Administration Building, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, and Student Affairs offices were gutted by fire.
The recently renovated Staff Center and clinic were also not spared. Meanwhile, the East London campus saw its Faculty of Education building set ablaze.
University spokesperson JP Roodt told IOL that despite the destruction, no lives were lost in the fires.
“Despite the devastating blazes, no fatal injuries or deaths were recorded: staff, students, and service providers are safe,” he confirmed.
The estimated cost to repair the damage ranges from R250 million to R500 million, with complete restoration expected to take up to two years.
Registrar Njabulo Zuma painted a grim picture of the aftermath.
“We are sitting on ashes. It is depressing. We are now working on recovery efforts.”
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
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