Madlanga Delivers Blunt Verdict on South Africa: “We Have Definitely Betrayed Tambo”

Retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseni Madlanga has delivered a scathing assessment of South Africa’s progress since democracy, declaring that the country has betrayed the values and principles championed by liberation struggle icon Oliver Reginald Tambo.

Madlanga made the remarks while delivering the OR Tambo Memorial Lecture in Johannesburg on Friday evening, 23 October 2026, challenging South Africans to reflect on whether the country has lived up to the ideals of one of its most revered anti-apartheid leaders.

“South Africa has definitely betrayed Tambo,” Madlanga said, pointing to the alarming levels of gender-based violence and the continued killing of women and children as evidence of the country’s failure to uphold the values Tambo fought for.

During his address, themed around “The Mirror, Map and Compass”, Madlanga urged the nation to examine its commitment to ethical leadership, integrity and the principles that shaped Tambo’s political life.

He specifically highlighted the disturbing killings of women in Ekurhuleni, where more than 10 women were killed and their bodies discovered, as a painful reminder of the violence confronting South African society.

Madlanga argued that the persistent abuse and murder of women contradict the constitutional promise that everyone should enjoy freedom and personal security.

“The reality is that even without such publicly witnessed waves, we live in the midst of the continuous physical violation and killing of women,” he said.

Beyond gender-based violence, Madlanga also reflected on Tambo’s legacy of selflessness, integrity and dedication to the collective interests of the people.

He praised the former African National Congress president for his incorruptible character and commitment to keeping the liberation movement united, stressing that public resources should never be treated as a means of accumulating personal wealth.

Madlanga identified three defining aspects of Tambo’s leadership: selflessness, fidelity to principles and intergenerational stewardship.

He explained that Tambo was willing to put personal interests aside for a greater purpose, remain committed to his convictions without external supervision, and work towards a future that would benefit generations he might never meet.

His remarks serve as a powerful challenge to political leaders and citizens to confront the gap between South Africa’s democratic promises and the realities experienced by many people.

The lecture renewed attention to Tambo’s enduring legacy and raised critical questions about accountability, leadership and the country’s responsibility to protect its most vulnerable citizens.

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