The Order of the Baobab in Silver

Adelaide Tambo Awarded for:

Exceptional commitment to the struggles against apartheid and dedication to community service and nation building.

Profile of Adelaide Tambo

A true mother and care-giver to the needy and destitute, Adelaide Tambo has never ceased to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of women and children.

She started her career as a registered nurse and midwife at Baragwanath Hospital and various other ‘non-European’ hospitals.

In 1960, after the Sharpville massacre, she left South Africa to join and provide support to her husband and comrade, Dr Oliver Tambo, in exile.

Dedicated to improving the plight of women in the country, on her return to South Africa in 1994 she became treasurer of the ANC Women’s League.

Dedicated to improving the plight of women in the country, on her return to South Africa in 1994 she became treasurer of the ANC Women’s League.

As a Member of Parliament since 1994, Tambo served on the portfolio committees on Housing, and Health and Welfare.

She is a recipient of many prestigious awards.