Went to the unveiling of the plaque on the house where Oliver Tambo lived in Hornsey & Wood Green in Alexandra Park Road.
Oliver Tambo was the president of the African National Congress from 1977 to 1991 and lived at this address during his years of exile. The family made its historic return to South Africa in 1990. Later ceremonies included the unveiling of his statue in Albert Recreation Ground and then a luncheon at Alexandra Palace. High ranking diplomats from South Africa had flown in and her Excellency, Ms Lindiwe Mabuza, the High Commissioner of South Africa hosted the luncheon (which I couldn’t stay for). All in all, a great scheme – as I’d hoped – for remembering his time here in our midst.
It was a fantastic occasion – and we are lucky to have that history in our midst – for it was Oliver Tambo who kept the belief and the campaign going all those long years of exile. His granddaughter gave a little speech at the plaque unveiling and told a wonderful tale of how they always referred to their house here as ‘Muswell’. Meet you at Muswell tea-time etc. When they moved back to South Africa, they wanted to name their new house – and in the end – called it ‘Muswell’ as they decided that ‘Muswell’ meant home!
more event from yesterday to mention: had rushed back from Parliament for a celebration at Alexandra Park School. They have formed a partnership with Ephes Memkeli Secondary School in South Africa. A group of Alexandra Park students had been out to the school and together with students from there had toured South Africa to make a film about science. The Head Teacher, Jacob Riba, was visiting here and the school was screening the documentary for the first time and celebrating this partnership.
Lynne Featherstone 