World Leaders Mourns Anti-apartheid Hero Desmond Tutu

0
844
Please follow and like us:

Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined fellow world
leaders in mourning South Africa’s anti-apartheid activist and Nobel
Peace Prize Laureate Desmond Tutu.

In a message of condolence to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the People of
the Republic of South Africa, and the family of the Tutu family,
Kenyatta mourned the ever-smiling Archbishop Desmond Tutu as an
African icon of freedom, peace and reconciliation.

“The passing away of Archbishop Desmond Tutu is a big blow not only to
the Republic of South Africa where he leaves behind huge footprints as
an anti-apartheid hero but to the entire African continent where he is
deeply respected and celebrated as a peacemaker.

Through his distinguished work over the years as a cleric, freedom
fighter and peacemaker, Archbishop Tutu inspired a generation of
African leaders who embraced his non-violent approaches in the
liberation struggle,” Kenyatta hailed the former head of the South
African Anglican Church.

Kenyatta wished Ramaphosa, South Africans and the family of the
departed prelate God’s comfort as they come to terms with his demise.

“To my brother President Cyril Ramaphosa, the People of the Republic
of South Africa and the family, friends and relatives of Archbishop
Tutu, I pray to God to cover you all with his calming fortitude during
this difficult period of mourning,” Kenyatta condoled.

Born in 1931, Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu was a long-serving
Anglican Church cleric and anti-apartheid campaigner who won the Nobel
Peace Prize in 1984.

He was later appointed to chair his country’s post-apartheid Truth and
Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation said Tutu
will be remembered in Russia as an outstanding human rights defender
and spiritual leader who was highly respected not only in South Africa
but throughout the world.

The Russian Federation added: “Tutu took an active part in the fight
against the apartheid regime in South Africa and in the subsequent
formation of a democratic civil society in the country.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of France in South Africa also pays tribute to
the late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu.

The French Embassy said of Tutu, “A man of peace who led the way for
modern South Africa and whose selfless guidance and spiritual
leadership stretched far across the borders of South Africa, reaching
the hearts of the people of France.

The Arch stood out as a leader who led by example with his own life
and actions, including in the struggle against apartheid, bringing
kindness and healing in the darkest of times.

Even after your death, your light will never cease to shine.”

France also noted, “We have been honoured to partner with the Desmond
and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation on several occasions. This included
support for the Art for the Arch auction in September 2021, as part of
the Foundation’s 90@90 campaign which aims to raise R90-million for
the Tutu Legacy Fund – from 7 October 2020 to 7 October 2022. We look
forward to continuing our partnership in honour of your legacy, French
Embassy added.


Written by: Thandisizwe Mgudlwa

Share this

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.