South Africa: Desmond Tutu Is No More

One of South Africa’s outspoken anti-apartheid icons, Archbishop Desmond Tutu is no more. The man of God died early Sunday morning at the age of 90. The information was made public by South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa who said, “The passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter of bereavement in our nation's farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a nationwide address. He added that “From the pavements of resistance in South Africa to the pulpits of the world's great cathedrals and places of worship, and the prestigious setting of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, the Archbishop distinguished himself as a non-sectarian, inclusive champion of universal human rights.”

President Ramaphosa described Tutu as “an iconic spiritual leader, anti-apartheid activist and global human rights campaigner a patriot without equal; a leader of principle and pragmatism who gave meaning to the biblical insight that faith without works is dead.” Mr Tutu had been hospitalized several times since 2015, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1997. In recent years he and his wife, Nomaliza Leah, lived in a retirement community outside Cape Town.

Since the sad news was made public, tributes have come from far and near with United Kingdom Prime Minister, Boris Johnson tweeting, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He was a critical figure in the fight against apartheid and in the struggle to create a new South Africa and will be remembered for his spiritual leadership and irrepressible good humour.” Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, “Desmond Tutu was a prophet and priest, a man of words and action. One who embodied the hope and joy that were the foundations of his life.” Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, said: “Tutu inspired a generation of African leaders who embraced his non-violent approaches in the liberation struggle.”