President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to the Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu for his role in the fight for human rights, equality as well as social justice as he celebrates his 90th birthday.
In a written message to the Arch, Ramaphosa says Tutu has been a constant voice of conscience to the government for nearly three decades, guiding it to improve the lives of the people of South Africa.
Acting Presidential spokesperson, Tyrone Seale says, “The president expresses his deep regard to Archbishop Tutu for a life that has been well-lived in honesty, integrity, fearlessness and service to humanity in South Africa and globally. The president also acknowledges the moral and ethical guidance Archbishop Tutu has provided to the nation after liberation.”
We extend our warmest congratulations to Archbishop #DesmondTutu who celebrates his 90th birthday today. You continue to remind us that fellowship, solidarity, charity & compassion for the vulnerable are values common to us all, and we should strive to live by them each day. pic.twitter.com/0WaNLucZKu
— Cyril Ramaphosa ?? #VoteANC (@CyrilRamaphosa) October 7, 2021
Non-racialism
Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, has urged residents of the province to use Tutu’s 90th birthday to commit to the values that he stands for.
These are non-racialism, justice, compassion and love.
The Arch is expected to attend a special thanksgiving service at St George’s Cathedral before spending the day at home with close family.
Winde has encouraged everyone to join him in wishing Tutu a happy birthday.
“What an honour to be able to give the Arch Emeritus Desmond Tutu a birthday wish today. It’s an opportunity to say thank you very much for all you have done for us in this beautiful country South Africa and its amazing people.”
“Thank you for fighting against Apartheid and fighting for justice, freedom and peace in our country. Thank you also just the other day for leading our vaccine programme here in the Western Cape. Thank you for being you,” he adds. . We hope that his day is filled with love & joy. We encourage residents to celebrate his life by following in his footsteps. Happy Birthday, Arch! pic.twitter.com/WFkjMbcmmk
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) October 7, 2021
‘Blessing from God’
The Congress of the People (COPE) has described Tutu’s 90th birthday as a blessing from God.
Party spokesperson Dennis Bloem has on behalf of COPE joined those that are wishing the Arch a happy birthday.
“COPE celebrates this special day with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. It is Blessings from the Almighty that Archbishop Tutu can celebrate his 90th Birthday today. Our wish for Bishop Tutu is that God Bless him with abundance of health. We wish Archbishop Tutu a very Happy 90th Birthday. Hepeeee Bishop Tutu Hepeeee!!! God Bless you.”
Below are birthday wishes on Twitter:
Happy 90th birthday Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Thank you for making this world a better place through honouring your truth and speaking truth to power on matters of justice, integritity, forgiveness and peace #TutuTurns90 #TutuPL2021 #TuTuLegacy pic.twitter.com/RkMW3WaQJj
— Prof Thuli Madonsela #MelosKingdom (@ThuliMadonsela3) October 7, 2021
It’s Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s 90th Birthday today? ? ?
We were stronger together & socially cohesive. Tutu’s Rainbow Nation had never been brighter too ?That is until the DA decided to put up THOSE controversial election posters of theirs?☹️??♂️ pic.twitter.com/i5PWwtR3B5
— Vusi Sambo (@VusiSambo) October 7, 2021
Today is the 90th birthday of one of the most revered moral leaders in the world, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Here, in a podcast series to mark the 20th anniversary of the TRC, he reflects on the long battles for justice and freedom, and morality. https://t.co/NsccRLREZn
— Pippa Green (@green_pippa) October 7, 2021
Archbishop of the World Desmond Tutu celebrates his 90th birthday on this day.
Nothing to my mind speaks to character like the manner in which he asserts one of his most famous propositions:
“God is not Christian” pic.twitter.com/UqaUnpp6cp
— Chrispin Phiri ?? (@Chrispin_JPhiri) October 7, 2021
In our African worldview, the greatest good is communal harmony. Anything that subverts or undermines this greatest good is ipso facto wrong, evil. Anger and a desire for revenge are subversive of this good thing.
Desmond Tutu
Happy 90th birthday to this beautiful human being pic.twitter.com/klvjxAScPM
— Andre Vlok (@vlok_andre) October 7, 2021
Happy 90th Birthday to the “Arch” – Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Thank you for standing up against injustice and promoting peace. @TheDesmondTutu @TutuFellows pic.twitter.com/dIxTzgrDMX
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) October 7, 2021
Happy 90th birthday to Archbishop Desmond Tutu aka “I am warning you” ??
— Ziyanda Sibeko (@sibekoziyanda) October 7, 2021
Additional reporting by Mercedes Besent.
