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28 October 2025, the historic Cathedral in Mthatha will host Advocate Palesa Ncholo as the keynote speaker for this year’s O.R. Tambo Memorial Lecture. The event, beginning at 18h00, will be preceded by a special prayer at 16h00 led by Bishop J.T. Ngombane.
What Happened?
For the first time in several years, the O.R. Tambo Memorial Lecture will be delivered by a woman—Advocate Palesa Ncholo, a figure whose life bridges the past and present struggles for justice. A Cambridge scholar and one of the architects behind South Africa’s democratic Constitution, Ncholo’s journey reflects deep moral conviction and an enduring commitment to human rights.
Known for her sharp legal mind and unwavering faith, she was mentored by Justice Albie Sachs and inspired by Oliver Reginald Tambo himself. Organizers describe her lecture as more than a commemoration—it is a call to renew the nation’s moral compass.
“Tonight, we do not just introduce her. We unveil her—a woman whose life is a bridge between the past that birthed us and the conscience that must sustain us,” reads the official event statement.
Official Response
The Nyandeni, Port St. Johns, King Sabata Dalindyebo, and Mhlontlo Local Municipalities, in partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Mthatha and the Ntinga O.R. Tambo Development Agency, have all expressed pride in hosting the lecture.
Event organizers say Ncholo’s address will revive O.R. Tambo’s moral and ethical leadership in today’s challenging times. The theme, “Reclaiming the Soul – Living the Legacy,” aims to inspire renewed unity and conscience-driven leadership across the region.
Community Impact
Local leaders expect the lecture to draw attendees from across the Eastern Cape, including students, clergy, and civic activists. The Cathedral, long regarded as a spiritual landmark in Mthatha, is set to become a space of reflection and renewal.
Residents say the event comes at a time when moral leadership and integrity are needed most in public life. Many see Advocate Ncholo’s presence as a symbol of hope and accountability—a reminder of the values that built South Africa’s democracy.
