Dinmukhamed Kunaev vs Oliver Tambo

Kunaev played a key role in implementing Khrushchev's Virgin Lands Campaign, which plowed millions of hectares of steppe in northern Kazakhstan for grain production. The campaign initially increased grain output but led to soil erosion and ecological damage.

Kunaev was appointed First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR, becoming the de facto leader of Soviet Kazakhstan. He held this position for over two decades, overseeing the republic's economic development and industrialization.

Under Kunaev's leadership, the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan was expanded as the primary Soviet space launch facility. This supported the Soviet space program, including the launch of the first human into space, Yuri Gagarin, in 1961.

Kunaev was removed from his post as First Secretary by Mikhail Gorbachev as part of anti-corruption campaigns. His removal sparked the Jeltoqsan protests in Almaty, the first major public demonstrations against Soviet rule in Kazakhstan.

Tambo helped establish the international Anti-Apartheid Movement, which lobbied governments and organizations to impose sanctions on South Africa. This campaign was crucial in isolating the apartheid regime.

Tambo was elected President of the ANC after the death of Chief Albert Luthuli. He led the organization from exile in Zambia and London, building international support and coordinating the anti-apartheid struggle.

Tambo returned to South Africa after 30 years in exile, following the unbanning of the ANC. He was greeted as a hero and continued to lead the ANC until his health declined, handing over to Nelson Mandela.