Oliver Tambo vs Valentina Matviyenko

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.

Matviyenko was appointed Ambassador of the Soviet Union (later Russia) to Malta in 1991, serving until 1994. This was her first major diplomatic role, representing Russia in a small island nation.

Matviyenko served as Deputy Prime Minister of Russia for Social Affairs from 1998 to 2003 under Prime Ministers Yevgeny Primakov, Sergei Stepashin, and Vladimir Putin. She oversaw social policy, including healthcare and education.

Matviyenko was appointed Governor of Saint Petersburg in October 2003, serving until 2011. She oversaw the city's development, including infrastructure projects and the preparation for the 300th anniversary of the city.

Valentina Matviyenko was appointed Speaker of the Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian parliament, in September 2011. She became the first woman to hold this position and has since been a key figure in Russian legislative politics.