By Rebecca Ekpe.
The passing of one of Africa’s Civil Rights Leader’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu at age 90, made waves across the globe as many celebrated Boxing Day, the usual day of gift-giving, December 26.
The Anti Apathied Leader was indeed a gift to the world.
Desmond Tutu is one of South Africa’s most well-known human rights activists, winning the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in resolving and ending apartheid. Archbishop Tutu also supported the economic boycott of South Africa, while constantly encouraging reconciliation between various factions associated with apartheid.
On his passing, the Dalai Lama paid tribute to his “enduring friendship” with Desmond Tutu and said his work on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was “an inspiration” for the world.
In a letter addressed to Tutu’s daughter, Rev Mpho Tutu, he wrote:
Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to your mother and other members of your family. I pray for him.
As you know, over the years, your father and I enjoyed an enduring friendship. I remember the many occasions we spent time together, including the week here at Dharamsala in 2015 when we were able to share our thoughts on how to increase peace and joy in the world. The friendship and the spiritual bond between us was something we cherished.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was entirely dedicated to serving his brothers and sisters for the greater common good. He was a true humanitarian and a committed advocate of human rights. His work for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was an inspiration for others around the world.
With his passing away, we have lost a great man, who lived a truly meaningful life. He was devoted to the service of others, especially those who are least fortunate. I am convinced the best tribute we can pay him and keep his spirit alive is to do as he did and constantly look to see how we too can be of help to others”, the Dalai Lama wrote.
The Late Archbishop’s daughter, Naomi Tutu, who is being described as a race and gender justice activist, tweeted:
My dad is at rest. Thank you Tshezi for all you have been to our family and the world. Lala ngo xolo Desmond Mpilo Tutu.
— Naomi Tutu (@TutuNaomi) December 26, 2021
Mohamed ElBaradei, Egypt’s former Vice President and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, paid tribute to Tutu, saying:
”A powerful and courageous voice for nonviolence, reconciliation and peace. He will be very much missed in our troubled world. May he rest in peace”.
Mohammed Shtayyeh, Prime Minister of the Western-backed Palestinian Authority, said Tutu’s death was “a loss for justice, truth and peace in the world…He loved Palestine and Palestine loved him”, Prime Minister Shtayyeh wrote.
Accomplishments
Desmond Tutu’s many achievements included awards and honours such as the Nobel Prize for Peace (1984), according to the Britannica, he also won the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009), an award from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation that recognized his lifelong commitment to “speaking truth to power” (2012), and the Templeton Prize (2013).
It is clear that the name Desmond Tutu resonates strongly with people all around the world. While his vigorous anti-apartheid activism in his native South Africa first propelled him into the glare of international news media, today he is revered as a “moral voice” to end poverty and human rights abuses.
Reuters has compiled some of Tutu’s best known quotes:
* Don’t raise your voice. Improve your argument.
* We need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.
* Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.
* Without forgiveness, there’s no future.
* Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
*I wish I could shut up, but I can’t, and I won’t.
Final rest
Records have it that Tutu was born of mixed Xhosa and Motswana heritage to a poor family in Klerksdorp, South Africa. Entering adulthood, he trained as a teacher and married Nomalizo Leah Tutu, with whom he is believed to have had several children.
Church officials are reportedly planning a seven-day commemoration of Tutu, including a lying in state ceremony.
This would be an ecumenical service and a requiem mass.
Archbishop Thabo Makgoba told Journalists in South Africa that he was yet to meet with his family to finalize plans for the funeral.
St George’s Cathedral Dean, Rev Michael Weeder is quoted to have said the Late Tutu would lie in state for two days so that the public could pay their respects as part of a seven day commemoration of his passing.
