Machel has described Tutu as a brother, loyal friend and a spiritual leader.
Tutu died on Sunday morning at his home in Cape Town at age 90.
In a statement, the former first lady has recalled how the late Archbishop fought and condemned the apartheid system.
“Arch passionately condemned apartheid and eloquently pressed for sanctions against the racist regime. In a style
unique unto himself, he masterfully used his position as a cleric to mobilize South Africans, Africans, and the global community against the brutalities and immorality of the apartheid government,” reads the statement.
She says she remains hopeful that today’s youth will grow to understand the historic challenges Tutu and his generation faced during the apartheid government.
“It is my hope that the youth of today, who have not experienced the brutalities of Apartheid in the flesh, will grow to understand the historic challenges Arch and those of his generation faced, and how they navigated them
to the best of their abilities under the complex circumstances which they found themselves,” she adds.
In the video below, SABC News journalist, Mariska Botha reports outside Arch Tutu Residence:
Meanwhile, Royal House of Mandela says the best tribute to Tutu is to find the moral compass of our nation and work for a better nation and a more just world.
In a statement, Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Chief Mandla Mandela, says they salute Tutu and honour his brave fight for peace, justice and human rights for all.
He says they will remember him for his unconditional love.
“Most of all we shall remember him as a friend of the oppressed who believed that to be neutral in a situation of injustice is to support the oppressor. We shall never forget his unequivocal support for the Palestinian struggle. He deemed it no less significant than our own struggle in South Africa and he spared no words for those who perpetuate apartheid in occupied Palestine and who uphold and support the injustices and crimes against humanity unleashed against innocent Palestinians.”
Mandla says Tutu was a man of principle who spoke out against injustice wherever it raised its ugly head. a more just world.
Royal House of Mandela pays tribute:
