South Africans must exercise their democratic right to vote responsibly, as an act of remembrance for the sacrifices made to win the nation’s freedom.
This was the call made by Deputy President Paul Mashatile at a wreath-laying ceremony for liberation icon and former leader of the African National Congress, Oliver Reginald Tambo, held at the Tamboville Cemetery in Benoni on Tuesday.
Tambo passed away in April 1993, just a year before South Africans – most for the first time – cast their historic votes in 1994 and later ushered in a new democratic dispensation.
The Deputy President described Tambo’s passing as a “powerful reminder that the right to vote should never be taken for granted”.
“Every election is an opportunity to honour those who fought, suffered, and died for the freedoms we enjoy today. Every vote cast is a tribute to their sacrifice.
“Responsible voting is therefore an act of remembrance. It is an acknowledgement that our democracy was won through struggle and sacrifice, and that preserving it requires active participation from every citizen,” Mashatile noted.
He reminded the country that Tambo was not alone in his sacrifice, noting that thousands of men and women gave their lives so that future generations could determine their own destiny through the ballot box.
Mashatile called on citizens to reflect deeply on the values that defined Tambo’s life and this year’s theme: “Honouring O.R. Tambo’s Legacy: Inspiring Active Citizenship and Responsible Voting”.
“This theme speaks directly to the values that defined O.R. Tambo’s life. He believed in democracy, ethical leadership, justice, equality, and above all, the power of ordinary people to shape the future of their country.
“As we continue to honour the life and legacy of President O.R. Tambo, I invite us all to reflect deeply on this year’s theme and on the important message it conveys to each of us.
“It calls on us not only to remember his contribution, but also to demonstrate through our actions a commitment to active citizenship, democratic participation, and responsible voting,” the Deputy President stated.
South Africans are due to cast their votes in the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026.
He reminded South Africans that respecting election outcomes and allowing democratic institutions to function as intended is essential to upholding Tambo’s memory.
“O.R. Tambo believed in democratic participation and constitutionalism. We honour his legacy when we engage peacefully, vote responsibly, and respect the will of the people, even when the outcome may not be the one we had hoped for.
“If we do this, O.R. Tambo’s legacy will live not only in monuments, museums, and annual commemorations. It will live in the daily choices and actions of South Africans committed to building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous nation,” he explained.
Building the nation together
Mashatile acknowledged that government bears a responsibility to address poverty, unemployment, crime, inequality and gender-based violence.
However, he emphasised that nation building requires active participation from all citizens.
“We cannot afford to be spectators in the project of building our nation. We must all be active participants. The South Africa we want will not be built by a few individuals acting alone; it will be built by citizens who are prepared to work together, take responsibility, and contribute to the common good.
“Those of us entrusted with positions of leadership in government have a particular responsibility to lead this journey. But lasting progress will only be achieved when government, communities, civil society, business, and citizens work hand in hand to build a better South Africa for all.
“Active citizenship is demonstrated whenever citizens volunteer their time to uplift their communities; whenever they stand against corruption and criminality; whenever they assist the vulnerable; and whenever they choose unity over division,” the Deputy President stated. – SAnews.gov.za
