The South African Government should not entertain advice on recipients of the Oliver Tambo award

Dear Editor,

It is indeed sad to learn about the deferral of the Order of Companions of O R Tambo to Forbes Burnham. And I do not think that the South African Government should entertain advice on who to give and who not to give it to.

Burnham’s great contribution to freedom-fighting nationally and internationally for the development of human relations justifies the presentation of the award.

A legacy is what you are remembered for and you are better remembered for what you have built rather than what you have destroyed.

Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan and Walter Rodney were builders of human relations.

I do hope the best will come out of the decision by the South African Government.

Viva human rights,

Yours faithfully,
Lennox A Whyte