Desmond Tutu, South African archbishop of Nobel Peace Prize and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has died at the age of 90.

Archbishop Emeritus of South Africa Desmond Tutu, winner of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize For his work against the “racist” separatist regime, He died in Cape Town (southwest) this Sunday at the age of 90, According to official sources.

In a statement issued by the South African government, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the death of the venerable Anglican religion and sent his condolences to the Tutu family.

“The death of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter in our nation’s farewell to the generation of prominent South Africans who gave us a liberated South Africa.”, Said the President in his speech.

The president described Tutu as a “fulfilling patriot” and a “man of extraordinary intelligence” who maintained his solidarity in the fight against “racist forces.”

Ramaphosa also mentioned democracy. Tutu maintained the “vigor” and “awareness” of leadership to hold companies accountable.

The death was confirmed by the current Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo McCabe, who recalled the Nobel Peace Prize and wished all human beings to live “in freedom, peace and happiness.”

On behalf of the Anglican Church of South Africa, on behalf of the community of full faith, and on behalf of millions (people) in South Africa, Africa and around the world, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Nomaliso Lea. His son, Trevor Tamsanga and his daughters, Danteka, Nontombi and Embo ”, Makoba said in a statement.

“(Tutu) whoever does evil calls it by its name wherever it is seen. He challenged organizations that were destroying humanity. When those who caused the suffering (…) experienced true conversion, he followed God’s example and was ready to forgive.He added in the message.

This Anglican Archbishop who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, until his last breath, imposed his frivolous portrait and his openness to condemn injustice and transgression of authority, whoever he may be.

He never failed to criticize the African National Congress (ANC), the main movement that fought against the racist and apartheid regime and still rules the country to this day.

The big issues of international politics did not escape his criticism, pointing out that lashing out at his own church to defend the rights of homosexuals, advocating for a Palestinian state or that in September 2012 there should be former US President George W. Bush and former British leader Tony Blair. Investigated by the International Criminal Court in The Hague for the Iraq war.

But it was in his own country that his ideas penetrated the most. In late 2011, when Pretoria failed to issue a visa to the Dalai Lama, he was called when he turned 80, accusing the government of bowing to Chinese pressure.

He said our government is worse than the apartheid state. It is a disgrace that victims of repression are now committing such acts, ”he added.

He spoke in support of the US Alliance, but said that maintaining some independence was not the answer. “If Nelson Mandela sees this, he will cry,” he lamented.

This is Archbishop Emeritus of Cape, He was characterized by his openness, humility, overflowing energy and above all his humor.

When questioned about his role as the nation’s moral conscience, he said with a smile: “Do you see me saying that in front of the mirror: Hey boy, you are a symbol, you know that? I think no man who has been given this respect really treats him like people see him. You go your own way and do what is right for you. “

With the same humor, he thanked his family for helping him put his feet on the ground.

“Recently my wife put up a banner in the living room: You have the right to have misconceptions. You see! They are there to destroy the high opinion I have about myself!”

“Rainbow Nation”

Desmond Tutu became famous during the racism, organized several peaceful marches condemning secession and campaigning for the adoption of international sanctions against the white Pretoria regime.

With the advent of democracy in 1994, he called South Africa a “rainbow nation” and chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for 30 months to help put an end to apartheid.

Anger and rage are bad for blood pressure and digestion, ”he said.

Desmond Tutu slammed the conflict in present-day South Africa, publicly criticizing former President Thabo Mbeki for managing the fight against AIDS or Jacob Zuma’s judicial problems. He drew the attention of his comrades to the violence in the community, lamenting that he had lost his sense of “right or wrong” in protecting immigrants during the 2008 racist violence in South Africa.

Desmond Tutu was born on October 7, 1931, in Clerkstorp, two hours from Johannesburg, and contracted polio as a child. Because of this experience, he wanted to study medicine, but his family could not pay for the study.

Appointed pastor of the Anglican Church at the age of 30, he studied and taught in England and Lesotho before moving to Johannesburg in 1975.

Increasingly visible in the struggle against apartheid, his performance won him the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize.

Appointed archbishop in 1986, he was the first black man to lead the Anglican Church in South Africa.

A relentless fighter for human rights and democracy, Desmond Tutu has been practically retired from public life since 2010, and one of his last appearances came in May 2021 when he was vaccinated against Govt-19. For his tireless struggle, Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, two years before he was appointed Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town (southwest).

As president, “Madiba” – Mandela’s local nickname, describes Archbishop “Voice of the Voiceless”– Gave Tutu the difficult task of being the head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, an organization accused of exposing atrocities during apartheid.

Tutu and Mandela lived on the same street in Soweto, which today is one of Johannesburg’s largest tourist attractions, boasting that there are no other Nobel Peace Prize-winning streets in South Africa. ..

A year after retiring as president of the South African Anglican Church, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and began receiving treatment, but in the following years he experienced several rebirths.

His last public appearance was broadcast on brief video footage of his 90th birthday (last October 7), which celebrated his foundation with a virtual conference attended by, among others, the supreme Tibetan spiritual leader. , The Dalai Lama, Mozambican activist and widow of Nelson Mandela Grossa McClellan or former Irish President Mary Robinson.

(With information from EFE and AFP)

Continue reading: