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Walter Sisulu
Oliver Tambo is a lawyer who starts a new firm with Mandela and eventually goes on to become one of his biggest allies in the anti-apartheid struggle, becoming president of the ANC after Luthuli. Although Tambo is a staunch and respected activist, he causes some controversy within the ANC later in his life due to his willingness to negotiate with South Africa’s white supremacist government. Ultimately, however, he helps to build the foundation for a democratic South Africa. He dies of a stroke just before Mandela gets elected president in the nation’s first free election.
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Oliver Tambo Character Timeline in Long Walk to Freedom
The timeline below shows where the character Oliver Tambo appears in Long Walk to Freedom. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 16
...In August of 1952, Mandela opens his own law office with fellow African lawyer Oliver Tambo, the first firm owned by African lawyers in the country. Among other things, they help...
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Chapter 25
...suddenly in September, the state drops charges against several of the defendants, including Luthuli and Tambo, although not Mandela. Thirteen months after the start of the trial, the magistrate announces that...
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Chapter 28
...her job. Many women go to protest at the Central Pass Office, and Mandela and Tambo’s law firm gets involved with defending those arrested. Winnie is among those arrested, but she...
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Chapter 90
...Mandela is happy to talk to them, he says that they should also speak to Tambo, who is currently the real leader of the ANC. Meanwhile, Tambo has been leading people...
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Chapter 92
...colleagues in prison, including Sisulu, as well as trying to send a message out to Tambo. Tambo seems concerned that Mandela may have lost his way, but Mandela is determined to...
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Chapter 107
In December of 1990, Tambo finally returns from exile abroad to South Africa. He gives a controversial speech about how...
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Chapter 109
On April 12, 1992, with Sisulu and Tambo by his side, Mandela announces that he’s separating from Winnie. He says the divorce is...
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Chapter 111
...resist starting a civil war, as white supremacists want. Mandela experiences another great loss as Tambo, who has been ill for a while, passes away from a stroke. Mandela often thought...
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