Oliver Tambo, the national chairman of the African National Congress who led the organization during the three decades it was banned in South Africa, died after he suffered a severe stroke early Saturday.
"It is with great sadness and deep regret that the African National Congress announces the death of its National Chairperson, Oliver Reginald Tambo," the ANC said in a statement.Tambo, 75, was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital Friday for observation in connection with a chest infection, but did not appear to be in distress and watched his daughter appear on a television program in the evening.
"In the early hours of (Saturday) morning, Mr. Tambo unexpectedly suffered a severe stroke," the ANC said. "The doctors in attendance attempted to rescucitate him. Mr. Tambo died at 3.10 a.m. He was in no pain."
Tambo's death robs the ANC of his wisdom and advice as the anti-apartheid movement negotiates an end to white-minority rule in South Africa, ANC President Nelson Mandela told a news conference in Johannesburg.
"Suffice to say his loss is not only felt by his family, the organization, friends inside and outside (South Africa)," Mandela said of the death of his friend of more than five decades. "I will feel it in a unique manner because his death closes a chapter in the history of our organization."