President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his warmest congratulations to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu who is celebrating his 89th birthday on Wednesday.
In a statement, Ramaphosa says, “Archbishop Tutu is a national treasure and global icon of moral consistency, spiritual virtue and the defence of the most vulnerable people not only in South Africa but around the world.”
He adds, “Today we are united in celebrating the passing of another year in which we have benefited from the Archbishop’s wisdom, the bravery of his conviction in fighting for human rights, the warmth of his love for all South Africans and his care for humanity. I wish Archbishop Tutu a very happy birthday in the company of Mama Leah, the family and colleagues in the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation.”
President @CyrilRamaphosa has extended his warmest congratulations to Archbishop Emeritus #DesmondTutu who is celebrating his 89th birthday today, Wednesday, 7 October 2020. https://t.co/Gn9h1mb8Vi pic.twitter.com/RAdxLX9bz8
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) October 7, 2020
Today marks the 89th birthday of human rights activist, and paragon of peace, Archbishop #DesmondTutu. We honour your lifelong dedication to humanity and the cause of justice and reconciliation. Your unwavering compassion & wisdom continue to inspire our work. pic.twitter.com/aBXg6pZlUR
— NelsonMandela (@NelsonMandela) October 7, 2020
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was born on this day in 1931. Wishing Archbishop Tutu good health and many more happy returns. pic.twitter.com/8OVYw6ZRhj— TheDiplomaticInformerSA (@diplomatic_the) October 7, 2020
Today we celebrate our number#1 fan, our Patron the wonderful Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu. We would like to wish you a Happy ? may God bless you and grant you with all your hearts desires ❤️??? we love you and Enjoy your day?????❤️?? pic.twitter.com/zxKudTZ4Fw
— Soweto Gospel Choir (@Sowetogospel) October 7, 2020
Today we celebrate the birthday of one of our most loved Western Cape residents, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. Happy birthday Arch! Thank you for the tolerance, kindness and love you have shared around the world. @TheDesmondTutu pic.twitter.com/o1oLxRUBFR
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) October 7, 2020
Lecture
Tutu’s birthday will coincide with the 10th Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture in which various climate activists will participate in the online lecture on Wednesday evening.
South African environmental activist Ayakha Melithafa, Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate and Christiana Figueres, a diplomat from Costa Rica, will deliver the lecture.
Various global and South African leaders of society are expected to send recorded birthday messages for the Nobel peace laureate.