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Clean-up operations under way in the Joburg CBD in preparation for Archbishop Tutu’s commemorate

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Clean-up operations are under way in the Johannesburg CBD as part of preparations for the city’s events to commemorate the life of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Mayor Dr. Mpho Phalatse has also announced that the city will begin with processes to rename the precinct around Wanderers Street after Tutu.

Housed in Johannesburg CBD is the colossal St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Designed by Sir Herbert Baker and Frank Fleming in the 20’s, it was there that the late Archbishop Tutu was appointed Dean of Johannesburg in 1975. This week the historic building will host events in his memory.

Phalatse says the public is invited to lay flowers and wreaths.

“The public is invited to lay flowers and wreaths from 9am to 6pm at the Cathedral. Evening prayer sessions will be held in the Cathedral from 6pm to 7pm from this evening (Tuesday) until Thursday. On Wednesday, father Dlwati and I will lead a prayer session at the Tutu home in Orlando West, and on Thursday, the diocese of Johannesburg will hold a memorial service at the St. Mary’s Cathedral which will include a eucharist and tributes from the City of Johannesburg, provincial and national government.”

Johannesburg prepares to commemorate the life of the Arch:

Anglican Dean of Johannesburg, reverend Xolani Dlwati says Wednesday’s evening service is also open to the public.

“Wednesday we will have another evening prayer, which is still open to the public and the essence of these offices is that prayer and evening song was central to the life of Desmond Tutu. That’s what he said gave him strength. That’s why we begin with those two prayer meetings to remember. On Wednesday at midday, we will meet at his former home in Soweto, Vilakazi Street, to actually lead – with other church leaders and our bishop – what we call a midday prayer to light candles and to also lay wreaths to those who wish.”

Phalatse says he has received requests from the church to rename the precinct.

“We also received requests from the church through the dean, Father Xolani to consider naming this precinct the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Precinct. That is something that it would be really befitting of honouring a man of his caliber, and we will begin the process that is necessary to look at how that can be done.”

Wanderers Street will be blocked between Devillers and Plein Streets.

Residents who will be attending the prayers are advised to park at the city offices in Braamfontein where shuttles to and from the Cathedral will be provided.

Desmond Tutu | Anglican Church, City of Joburg remember Arch Tutu:

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