Ramaphosa hails Tutu as a symbol that embodied the essence of humanity

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu as a symbol that embodied the essence of humanity and a staunch advocate for social justice. Ramaphosa addressed the nation from the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday.

Tutu died in his Cape Town home at the age of 90 yesterday. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1997.

The late Anglican Archbishop will be laid to rest on Saturday.

The President also announced that the country’s flags will be flown at half-mast from the time when the funeral Tutu is declared.

“In honour of the life and contribution of Desmond Mpilo Tutu, government will be led by the Anglican Church in the conduct of his funeral. There will be a period of mourning during which the national flag shall fly at half-mast at all flag stations countrywide and at South African diplomatic missions abroad. This will be observed from the time of the formal declaration of the funeral until the night before the funeral service,” explains Ramaphosa.

In the video below, President Ramaphosa delivers message on passing of Arch Tutu:

Tutu praised for peaceful efforts

Former president Thabo Mbeki has praised the late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu for his peaceful efforts in the fight for the country’s democracy.

Tributes are being paid across the globe following Tutu’s death.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his role in the struggle to abolish the apartheid system.

Mbeki reflects on Tutu’s contributions towards a democratic South Africa.

“We have lost one of our most outstanding leaders, who was at the forefront of the struggle to defeat the apartheid regime at a very difficult time – when many people were being killed and jailed.”

“But the Archbishop was there in the front trenches and he was part of the process of the creation of the new South Africa. None of us will forget those images when he sat at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) for the building of the new South Africa,” adds Mbeki.

Former President Thabo Mbeki on Archbishop Desmond Tutu passing:

-Additional reporting Risha Maduray